11
New Measures in Canada: Benefits, Food, & Adventure
The Canadian government has recently unveiled a trio of major initiatives designed to lower costs, boost nutrition for children, and encourage domestic travel. These measures, slated for the upcoming federal budget, focus on ensuring that vulnerable Canadians receive the support they are entitled to, securing a vital food program, and reviving a popular travel incentive.
Unlocking Benefits with Automatic Tax Filing
A significant barrier for millions of lower-income Canadians is simply filing their taxes, a prerequisite for accessing crucial federal benefits like the GST/HST credit, the Canada Child Benefit, and the Canada Disability Benefit. Many eligible citizens, lacking the resources to file or believing their income is too low to matter, often miss out on the financial support they desperately need.
To address this gap, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is launching an automatic and free tax-filing process. Starting in the 2026 tax year, the new system will begin by preparing pre-filled tax forms for eligible individuals with simple tax situations. Users will only need to provide a few details and confirm their pre-filled information to secure all the benefits they are due. The government aims to scale this system up, reaching up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians by the 2028 tax year. This measure is projected to unlock hundreds of millions of dollars in benefits that would otherwise go unclaimed, directly supporting the country’s most vulnerable.
Making the National School Food Program Permanent 🍎
Recognizing the fundamental importance of consistent nutrition for children’s well-being and learning, the government is moving to make the National School Food Program permanent. Previously a temporary pilot program with limited remaining funding, this initiative has already been instrumental in providing healthy meals to over 400,000 children across the country.
The program is a direct investment in children’s futures and also offers significant cost relief for families. Officials estimate it saves parents with two children approximately $800 a year on groceries. By committing to permanent funding and advancing the necessary legislation, the government is cementing this program as an essential part of Canada’s social safety net, with plans to work with provincial, territorial, and Indigenous partners to expand its reach.
Renewing the Canada Strong Pass for 2026 & Holidays 🚂
To encourage Canadians to explore the best of their country and support the domestic tourism sector, the Canada Strong Pass is being renewed. Following a successful run last summer, which saw a 13% boost in VIA Rail ridership and an average 50% increase in visitors to parks, museums, and historic sites, the popular pass will return for the summer of 2026.
In a special move to help with the costs of an expensive time of year, the pass will also be launched for the upcoming holiday season, starting in mid-December. The pass offers a range of discounts, including free or reduced-cost admission to national, provincial, and territorial museums, parks, and historic sites, as well as discounted VIA Rail fares, particularly for children, youth, and young adults. This renewal is set to create more opportunities for Canadians to connect with their country’s rich culture and natural beauty at a lower cost.
Previous
Leave a Reply