Here's how Canada's 2026 federal budget could save you money
Canadians could soon have more money to spend on everyday expenses thanks to new measures outlined in the latest federal government budget.
From increased grocery benefit payments to changes to financial support for caregivers, the government’s latest spending plan includes several proposals that could help Canadians save money.
“Being masters of our destiny is about having the confidence to build on our strengths and shape our own future,” said François-Philippe Champagne, minister of finance and national revenue.
“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.”
Here’s a look at the ways that the new federal budget could put more money back in Canadians’ pockets.
Increased Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payments
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In 2026, Canadians with low and modest incomes were eligible to receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) supplement. The government is planning a one-time 50 per cent increase for the 2026-2027 benefit year, which would provide $339 for a single person without children and up to $679 for a couple with two children.
Refundable Canada Caregiver Credit
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Canadian caregivers could soon have more money in their pockets.
The Canada Caregiver Credit would become fully refundable, allowing eligible Canadians who are caring for loved ones to receive up to $1,260 each year starting in 2027. An estimated 585,000 caregivers would benefit, including 180,000 additional caregivers who currently don’t receive any support through the credit. The measure is also expected to lift 15,000 individuals out of poverty.
Canada Strong Pass returns
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The government is bringing back the Canada Strong Pass, which gives Canadians free and discounted access to Parks Canada sites, participating museums and galleries, as well as free and discounted VIA Rail travel for families.
The pass is also getting some new perks in 2027, including discounted admission to Indigenous-led museums and cultural centres. Budget 2026 proposes $76 million in 2027-2028 to support this renewal.
In addition, the government wants to make admission to Canada’s national museums permanently free year-round for children and youth under 25, giving families even more opportunities to explore the country’s cultural attractions without having to spend extra on tickets.
More support for low-income workers
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One of the proposed changes aims to rename the Canada Workers Benefit to the Build Canada Worker Benefit. The changes would increase support for low-income workers, increasing yearly benefits to $1,859 for single individuals without children (up from $1,709), and $3,143 for families (up from $2,943).
Changes would also lower the minimum earnings threshold from $3,000 to $500, and from $1,150 to $200 for the disability supplement. Canadian workers with the lowest earnings could get an additional $675, while those eligible for the disability supplement could get almost $1,000 more.
The benefit is expected to help nearly two million workers, including 180,000 new recipients.
Lower energy costs
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The government is also offering $2 billion in heat pump rebates to help Canadians lower their energy bills and make their homes more energy efficient.
Households with incomes below the median will be eligible for a rebate of up to $10,000, while other eligible households will be able to receive a $2,000 rebate. The government says these rebates can be combined with existing provincial programs to potentially reduce the upfront cost even further.
Check out the full Budget 2026 for more details.
With files from Laine Mitchell and Natalia Buia