Canada’s Prime Minister, Mark Carney, announced key measures from the upcoming federal Budget 2025 today, focusing on lowering costs for Canadians, protecting essential programs, and empowering citizens with new opportunities. The government emphasized its commitment to building a strong economy, creating major projects, and delivering long-term support for families across the country.
“Budget 2025 will build a stronger Canada. We cannot control what other nations do, but we control what we choose to build. We are building Canada Strong,” said Prime Minister Carney.
Key initiatives announced include:
- Automatic Federal Benefits: Starting with the 2026 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency will automatically file taxes for eligible low-income Canadians, ensuring up to 5.5 million individuals receive the benefits they qualify for by 2028. This includes the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Disability Benefit, and other entitlements.
- Permanent National School Food Program: The program, which already provides healthy meals to over 400,000 children, will be made permanent. It saves families with two children approximately $800 per year on groceries and will expand in partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities to reach more schools nationwide.
- Canada Strong Pass Renewal: The pass, which offers free or discounted access to national parks, museums, historic sites, and VIA Rail travel, will be renewed from December 12, 2025, to January 15, 2026, and again for summer 2026. The initiative encourages families and young Canadians to explore the country at lower costs.
These new measures build on previous government actions, including the cancellation of the consumer carbon tax, middle-class tax cuts for 22 million Canadians, and the elimination of GST for first-time homebuyers.
Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne stated, “Canadians asked for real change that makes life more affordable. Budget 2025 will invest in Canada’s long-term growth while empowering families across the country.”
Other ministers echoed the sentiment, highlighting the focus on reducing costs, strengthening communities, and supporting families. Minister Anna Gainey noted that making the National School Food Program permanent ensures children get the nutrition they need to succeed, benefiting all Canadians.
The government said these initiatives reflect its broader goal of protecting communities, creating economic opportunities, and building a fairer and more prosperous Canada.
