The Senate has passed the Conservative government’s budget bill.

In the end, only Liberal senators from Atlantic Canada and Saskatchewan voted against the package, which passed 45-21 with six abstentions.

Conservative Senator Ethel Cochrane from Newfoundland was among those who did not vote.

The bill now goes to Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean for royal assent later today.

The budget came under fire from premiers and MPs in Atlantic Canada and Saskatchewan for its measures to change the formula by which federal transfers to the provinces are calculated.