Parliamentary Secretary Chi highlights Government of Canada's investments from Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny

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Health Canada (HC)

Nov 09, 2026, 10:50 ET

MARKHAM, ON, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- In a world reshaped by geopolitical competition, protectionism, and rapidly evolving technologies, Canada stands apart. Our abundant natural resources, clean and reliable energy, world-class talent, strong public finances, and access to global markets give us a clear competitive advantage.

We have the strength to build and the discipline to deliver.

These foundations are already translating into results: investment is growing, major projects are being built, and businesses are reaching new markets at home and abroad. Budget 2026 keeps Canada on a path to meet both fiscal anchors: balancing day-to-day operating spending with revenues by 2027-28, a full year ahead of schedule, and keeping the deficit-to-GDP ratio on a declining path.

Today, Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Michael Ma, Member of Parliament for Markham-Unionville, met with partners and stakeholders in Markham, Ontario, to highlight key investments from Budget 2026: Masters of our destiny to build a stronger, more independent and resilient economy and make life more affordable for Canadians.

It is an ambitious plan to meet this moment and shape Canada's economic future: building on our strengths, driving investment, boosting productivity, diversifying our trade, creating good jobs, and making life more affordable for Canadians.

Budget 2026 catalyses growth:

  • A long-term housing strategy, providing nearly $45 billion on a cash basis over the next 11 years. Budget 2026 puts Canada on a path to end homelessness within 10 years while expanding non-market housing and building a housing market that works for all.
  • An estimated 240,000 people will be lifted out of poverty through the new Build Canada Workers Benefit, keeping more money in workers' pockets.
  • 175,000 young Canadians are gaining opportunities this fiscal year to earn money and develop work-ready skills through Canada Summer Jobs, the horizontal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, and the Student Work Placement Program.
  • A $2 billion investment will help up to 820,000 households switch to heat pumps and support home retrofits thanks to the new National Heat Pump Rebate. Together with other measures to improve energy efficiency, including retrofits in multi-unit residential buildings, these investments are projected to reach up to one million homes and save Canadians more than $1 billion a year on energy bills once fully implemented.

Budget 2026 delivers for people:

  • Up to $339 for a single person without children and up to $679 for a couple with two children will be provided to Canadians by enhancing the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit with a one-time 50% increase for the 2026-27 benefit year, delivered in early 2027.
  • $610.3 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, is being invested to ensure that Nutrition North Canada can maintain and expand its essential supports, helping lower the cost of imported foods and supporting food harvesting in northern communities.
  • $1.2 billion in 2027-28 to extend mental health, addictions, and home and community care agreements will help more Canadians access the care they need regardless of their ability to pay.
  • An estimated 585,000 caregivers will benefit from the new refundable Canada Caregiver Credit, recognising their vital role in helping Canadians remain in their homes and communities.
  • Nearly 22 million Canadians are already keeping more of what they earn, with the middle-class tax cut saving a two-income family up to $840 this year.
  • First-time home buyers are now saving up to $50,000 through the removal or reduction of the GST on new homes.

Quote: 

"Being masters of our destiny is about having the confidence to build on our strengths and shape our own future. Canada has the resources, talent, and ambition to succeed. Budget 2026 builds on those strengths by unlocking investment, building more at home, strengthening our energy and natural resource advantage, and helping Canadian businesses grow and compete on the world stage. That's how we will create good jobs, make life more affordable, and build a stronger, more resilient, and more united Canada for generations to come."
-  The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue 

"Every Canadian deserves access to quality health care, mental health supports, and community services when and where they need them. By providing $1.2 billion to extend mental health, addictions, and home and community care agreements, we are helping more people access care closer to home, supporting caregivers, and strengthening the health and well-being of communities across the country. Together, we are building a healthier and more affordable future for Canadians."
-  Maggie Chi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health

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Quick facts:

Despite a challenging global environment, the Canadian economy has shown resilience:

  • Rising productivity is helping lay the foundation for stronger wage growth and higher living standards, with productivity increasing by 1.2% over the last year, compared with average growth of just 0.1% following the pandemic.
  • Nominal goods and services exports to countries other than the United States increased by $33 billion in 2025 and are on pace to rise by a further $57 billion in 2026, as more Canadian businesses reach new markets.
  • Measures to make life more affordable are working. The share of household income needed to cover housing costs has fallen by roughly a quarter, asking rents have dropped for two consecutive years, and the average cost of child care has fallen around 30% nationwide since 2019.

SOURCE Health Canada (HC)

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