Finance Minister Ralph Goodale today announced that his first federal budget will be introduced on March 23.

The budget, which will likely form the platform for the Liberal government in an expected spring election, could show a surplus of as much as $7 billion, some experts have predicted.

Already $2 billion of that has been spent since Prime Minister Paul Martin promised Canada’s premiers earlier this year they’ll receive that amount in new health care funding.

Martin’s speech from the throne last month also set out several new programs that will likely receive at least down payments in this budget.

That will include a $7 billion GST rebate for municipalities, spread over 10 years, as well as acceleration of infrastructure funding.

As in past budgets, this budget may contain measures that take effect on budget day. Such measures would be effective from midnight March 22, 2004, the day preceding the budget presentation.