Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced a series of new measures aimed at lowering costs for Canadians and helping families get ahead as part of the upcoming 2025 federal budget.
The initiatives include automatic federal benefit filing for low-income Canadians, permanent funding for the National School Food Program, and the renewal of the Canada Strong Pass to make travel and cultural experiences more affordable.
“Our Budget will build a stronger Canada,” said Carney. “It is a plan to protect our communities and our country and invest in the major projects that will build our economy. It will empower Canadians by helping you get ahead, bringing down your costs, and making your life more affordable. We cannot control what other nations do. We control what we choose to build. We are building Canada Strong.”
Beginning with the 2026 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency will automatically file tax returns for eligible low-income individuals, allowing up to 5.5 million Canadians by 2028 to receive benefits they qualify for — including the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, and Canada Disability Benefit.
The government is also making the National School Food Program permanent, ensuring healthy meals for up to 400,000 children each year and saving families with two children about $800 annually on groceries. The program will continue to expand through partnerships with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.
Additionally, the Canada Strong Pass will be renewed for the 2025 holiday season and summer 2026, providing free or discounted access to museums, historic sites, parks, and VIA Rail travel — including a 25 per cent discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne said the government’s fiscal plan focuses on affordability and efficiency. “Canadians asked for change – real change that makes life more affordable,” he said. “Budget 2025 will set out our plan to spend less so we can invest more in Canada’s long-term growth and a stronger future.”
Other ministers emphasized the government’s commitment to cutting red tape and making life easier for families.
“A key priority of our new government is to lower costs for Canadians across the country,” said Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture. “By making life more affordable for families and helping Canadians explore and enjoy their own country, we’re building a stronger, more united, and prouder Canada together.”
Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, said the measures are about giving Canadians more control over their lives. “Lowering costs is about giving people more room to breathe and more power to shape their future,” she said.
Anna Gainey, Secretary of State for Children and Youth, said the permanent school food program “ensures more kids get nutritious meals at school, while bringing down costs for parents.”
Wayne Long, Secretary of State for the Canada Revenue Agency, added that automatic benefits will make government supports “faster and easier” to access.
The federal budget will be tabled in the House of Commons on Nov. 4.
