How Canada’s 2026 federal budget could help Canadians save money

Canadians could soon have more money for everyday expenses under measures proposed in the latest federal budget. The plan includes higher grocery benefit payments, changes to caregiver support and rebates aimed at lowering household energy costs. Finance and National Revenue Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Budget 2026 is intended to unlock investment, build more at home, strengthen Canada’s energy and natural resource advantages, and help Canadian businesses grow and compete internationally.

**Higher Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments**

In 2026, people with low and modest incomes were eligible for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) supplement. The government is proposing a one-time 50 per cent increase for the 2026–27 benefit year. It would provide $339 to a single person without children and up to $679 to a couple with two children.

**A refundable Canada Caregiver Credit**

The Canada Caregiver Credit would become fully refundable. Starting in 2027, eligible Canadians caring for loved ones could receive up to $1,260 a year. An estimated 585,000 caregivers would benefit, including 180,000 who currently receive no support through the credit. The measure is also expected to lift 15,000 people out of poverty.

**Canada Strong Pass returns**

The government plans to bring back the Canada Strong Pass, offering free or discounted access to Parks Canada sites and participating museums and galleries, as well as free or discounted VIA Rail travel for families. New benefits in 2027 would include discounted admission to Indigenous-led museums and cultural centres. Budget 2026 proposes $76 million in 2027–28 to support the pass’s return.

The government also wants to make admission to Canada’s national museums permanently free year-round for children and youth under 25, giving families more opportunities to visit cultural attractions without paying for tickets.

**More support for low-income workers**

One proposal would rename the Canada Workers Benefit as the Build Canada Worker Benefit and increase annual payments. Single people without children would receive $1,859, up from $1,709, while families would receive $3,143, up from $2,943.

The minimum earnings threshold would drop from $3,000 to $500. For the disability supplement, it would fall from $1,150 to $200. Workers with the lowest earnings could receive an additional $675, while people eligible for the disability supplement could receive almost $1,000 more. The benefit is expected to help nearly two million workers, including 180,000 new recipients.

**Lower energy costs**

The government is also proposing $2 billion in heat pump rebates to help lower energy bills and make homes more energy efficient. Households with incomes below the median would be eligible for up to $10,000; other eligible households could receive $2,000. The government says the rebates can be combined with existing provincial programs to potentially reduce upfront costs further.

More details are available in Budget 2026. The article includes files from Laine Mitchell and Natalia Buia.