Overview
- The Canada Revenue Agency will prepare pre-filled tax returns for about one million lower-income people for the 2026 tax year, expanding to roughly 5.5 million by 2028 via its My Account system.
- Eligible individuals will confirm a small set of details to receive payments such as the GST/HST credit, Canada Child Benefit, Canada Workers Benefit, and disability-related supports.
- The National School Food Program shifts from a five-year, $1 billion initiative to permanent funding of $216.6 million annually starting in 2029–30, with a target of reaching up to 400,000 additional children.
- The Canada Strong Pass returns Dec. 12, 2025–Jan. 15, 2026 and summer 2026, offering free entry to Parks Canada sites, youth discounts at national museums, and VIA Rail free fares for children with 25% off for ages 18–24.
- The measures are being positioned in the Nov. 4 federal budget, with the government citing efficiencies for the CRA while union representatives flag potential staffing concerns as operational capacity is assessed.