Secretary of State Zerucelli highlights Government of Canada's investments from Budget 2026 to improve affordability

BURLINGTON, 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, the Secretary of State (Labour), the Honourable John Zerucelli, met with Food for Life in Burlington to highlight key investments from Budget 2026: Masters of Our Destiny to improve affordability.  

Affordability measures:

• 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. 
• An estimated 585,000 caregivers will benefit from the new refundable Canada caregiver credit, recognizing their vital role in helping Canadians remain in their homes and communities.  
• A long-term housing strategy will provide 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.  
• $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 240,000 people will be lifted out of poverty through the new Build Canada Workers Benefit, keeping more money in workers' pockets. 
• 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. 
• The most ambitious effort in a generation to improve Canada's tax system will make it easier for Canadians to file their taxes and access the benefits and tax relief they are entitled to. 
• 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. 
• Gas prices fell by about 18 cents per litre across most provinces and territories following the removal of the consumer carbon price, and drivers are now saving up to 10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents on diesel through the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax. 
• More than 900,000 children now have access to affordable early learning and child care, helping families save up to $11,255 per child a year-- and more child care spaces are on the way. 
• Banking has become more affordable, with non-sufficient fund fees capped at $10 and stronger consumer protections. Low-cost and no-cost bank accounts now also offer up to 50% more debit transactions for no more than $4 per month. 
• Cellular service prices have declined by roughly 50% since 2019. 
• Up to 5.5 million low-income Canadians will have easier access to federal benefits through automatic benefits and pre-filled returns. 
• 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.    

Budget 2026 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. 

Quotes

"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  

"Budget 2026 is focused on making life more affordable for Canadians. From groceries and housing to everyday costs, it includes actions and policies that will help people save money, keep more of what they earn, and get the support they need."
– The Honourable John Zerucelli, Secretary of State (Labour)

"Budget 2026 delivers growth, sovereignty and affordability. It puts more money back in the pockets of families and backs the workers who build this country. Today, at Food for Life, we are showing what that means for residents in Burlington and across Canada."
– The Honourable Karina Gould, Member of Parliament for Burlington

"Life has become unaffordable for too many. At Food for Life, we see neighbours working hard, stretching every dollar and still coming up short. Programs like ours play an important role in filling that gap, but meaningful investments are needed to ease the pressures families face. We welcome the federal budget's focus on affordability as an important step toward giving our neighbours breathing room and the ability to meet their basic needs."
– Karen Randell, Executive Director, Food for Life

Related products

• Budget 2026: Masters of Our Destiny
• Government of Canada releases Budget 2026: Masters of Our Destiny
• Budget 2026: Key Measures
• Remarks by the Minister of Finance and National Revenue

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada

Contacts: For media enquiries, please contact: Ty Willness, Press Secretary, Office of the Secretary of State (Labour), [email protected]; Media Relations Office, Employment and Social Development Canada, 819-994-5559, [email protected]