Karen Casey is forecasting a $778.8-million deficit for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Coronavirus costs shrink Nova Scotia’s surplus in fiscal 2019-20 to $2.3 million Casey said today the updated figure is $74 million smaller than the deficit that was projected in July but is also $833.9 million bigger than the $55-million surplus the government initially thought it would have this fiscal year.The minister says the government increased spending within ten departments by another $298.8 million, most of which covered pandemic-related costs.Nova Scotia’s overall expenses are projected to be $12.32 billion, up $708.7 million since the February budget was tabled.The net debt is forecast to increase by $1.1 billion over the February budget, to $16.8.