OTTAWA - Canada's finance minister is hinting the federal government could take steps as early as this autumn's economic update to help the economy at a time of slower-than-expected growth.

When asked today about the fall update, Bill Morneau said the government would continue to look at Canada's economic situation in order to determine what should be done -- not only in November but also in next year's budget.

Government insiders say Ottawa is considering using the update as a vehicle to help boost the sluggish economy, including potentially fast-forwarding billions in planned infrastructure investments.

Morneau declined to share details about the contents of the fall update, nor would he provide a precise date for its release.

He says existing measures announced in the government's spring budget, such as tax-bracket changes and infrastructure spending, have begun to help the economy.

Morneau also confirmed plans to meet with a group of private-sector economists on Oct. 13 in Toronto to seek their input as well as their latest economic projections.