The latest federal budget includes almost $90-billion in new spending over the next five years...most aimed at bolstering Canada's economy and securing sovereignty.
Billions will be spent on defence and a one-percentage-point income tax cut will be delivered in July.
St. Catharines MP Chris Bittle says increased funding at the border is big for Niagara.
The government describes the budget as an “investment budget,” with less spending on operations and more on workers, businesses, and infrastructure that will grow the economy. Over the next five years, Ottawa says the plan will generate $60 billion in savings and revenues, enabling up to $1 trillion in total investments through housing, infrastructure, defence, and productivity initiatives.
Bittle adds that this budget required a different approach, as the relationship with the US has changed.
The budget projects a deficit of $78.3-billion for this fiscal year. The minority Liberal government will need to secure support from outside its caucus in order to pass the budget, which automatically becomes a confidence vote in the House of Commons.
We have reached out to local Conservative MP Tony Baldinelli's office for comment on the budget and will update the story when a reply is given.
Here are some key figures as reported by The Canadian Press:
$20.1 billion: Total net new government spending for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
$89.7 billion: Total of net new budget spending items over five-year timeline of budget plan, including a projected $51.2 billion in cost savings.
$78.3 billion: The total deficit for this fiscal year — more than double estimates for last year.
Up to 40,000: The number of public service positions the government intends to eliminate over the next three years.
155,000: The number of student visas being issued in 2026, down from about 306,000 in the previous immigration levels plan.
42.4: The federal debt as a percentage of GDP for fiscal 2025-26.
$73 billion: The sum set aside for new defence spending, with $30 billion going to capital investments.
$5 billion: The amount earmarked over seven years for a national trade diversification corridor.
$1 billion: The sum set aside for Arctic infrastructure.
Zero: The number of updates the budget offers on where Canada stands on its 2030 and 2035 emissions targets.
$2.7 billion: Total cuts to foreign aid over four years.
3: The number of opposition votes or abstentions the Liberals must secure to pass the budget.
(Written by: Matt Latour)