Recent news and analysis on Canadian Politics
Canadian politics news covering the federal government, Parliament, party leadership, provincial politics, elections, and major Canadian policy debates.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s federal budget outlines a major overhaul of Canada’s financing ecosystem by merging the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada. The plan establishes the Canada Strong Fund as a standalone $25-billion sovereign wealth fund and commits $151 billion in new spending over five years to boost business investment. The budget aims to reduce economic dependence on the United States amid trade tensions, forecasting only 1% growth for 2026.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $30-billion national strategy to eliminate homelessness within ten years. The federal budget allocates $11.2 billion over four years, with Manitoba committing $84 million annually to support construction projects aimed at addressing an estimated 65,000 homeless Canadians.
Prime Minister Mark Carney's government plans to grant permanent residency to up to 200,000 temporary residents by the end of 2027 to reduce backlogs. Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre accused the government of burying the plan in the federal budget to avoid debate on housing and healthcare strains.
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a 2026 budget reducing defence spending increases to $11.2-billion over five years, far less than the prior $84-billion pledge. The budget calls for economic independence and reducing reliance on the United States, with projections showing Canada reaching only 2.6 per cent of GDP in military spending by 2030.
Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Russian and Belarusian athletes will be denied visas while the war in Ukraine continues, overriding a CAS ruling requiring reinstatement. The Canadian government plans to use immigration powers to prevent state representation by Russia and Belarus at international sporting events hosted in Canada.
The Globe and Mail argues that Canada's federal budget lacks a clear policy narrative, blending significant business tax relief with direct consumer support measures. The commentary contends this mix of corporate incentives and household benefits reflects an attempt to address immediate economic pressures while stimulating investment.
The Canadian federal government plans to introduce legislation covering private investment in four major airports and high-speed rail expropriation powers. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced plans to attract private investment via an operating concession model by 2029, allocating $37.6 million for due diligence.
The Canadian government plans to amend the CSIS Act to allow the agency to collect human intelligence abroad, potentially creating a separate international spy service. Prime Minister Mark Carney supports the move to reduce reliance on U.S. intelligence, backed by a $6 billion funding increase over ten years.
The Globe and Mail argues that Prime Minister Mark Carney's 2026 budget fails to address affordability for younger Canadians, as nearly 80 percent of new medical spending and 70 percent of cash transfers benefit seniors. The commentary contends that rising debt interest and defense costs crowd out essential investments in housing and youth employment.
The Globe and Mail editorial board argues that the Canadian Liberal government's budget fails to address rising debt servicing costs and national security threats. While praising trade reorientation measures, the commentary contends the administration missed an opportunity to utilize revenue windfalls for military rebuilding or debt reduction.