Ottawa Unveils New Affordability Measures for Low-Income Families

The Canadian government announced new measures aimed at improving affordability for low-income families during a press event on October 10, 2023, at Saanich Neighbourhood Place in Victoria, British Columbia. The Liberal government is introducing an automatic tax filing system for low-income Canadians and making the National Food Program a permanent initiative. Additionally, the popular Canada Strong Pass will return for the winter holidays and summer of 2026, offering various discounts and free admissions.

Stephanie McLean, Secretary of State for Seniors, along with Patty Hajdu, Minister of Jobs and Families, and Will Greaves, Member of Parliament, highlighted the pressing need for these measures. Greaves noted that Greater Victoria is among the most expensive areas in Canada, saying, “Families are feeling the squeeze.” The government’s initiative to automate tax filing aims to simplify the process for low-income Canadians, helping them access federal benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and the GST credit.

Hajdu emphasized the importance of this change, explaining that many individuals have not filed taxes for years due to fear or confusion. “People have, in many cases, not filed for years,” she stated. Some Canadians mistakenly believe that filing taxes will result in a bill, while others may have lost necessary documents. This has led to significant losses in potential benefits, including a case she cited of a single mother in Ontario who received approximately $40,000 in benefits after finally filing.

The rollout of the automatic tax filing system will begin with 3,000 low-income filers in 2026, with plans to expand to around 50,000 by 2028. This initiative is designed to streamline the tax-filing process, potentially allowing users to file with just a click after signing into their Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) account.

Expanding Access to School Nutrition Programs

Another significant announcement was the expansion of the national school food program, initially launched under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau‘s government in 2024. The initiative now aims to support an additional 400,000 children, extending its reach beyond the original five-year commitment. Hajdu, reflecting on her experience as a lunchroom monitor, expressed the heartbreaking nature of seeing disparities among children during meal times.

The program seeks to provide equitable access to nutritious meals and snacks, ensuring that all children can enjoy lunch regardless of their background. The federal government will cover food costs while collaborating with provinces and territories to manage delivery expenses. McLean stated, “For families, this means a real saving at the grocery store of up to $800 per year.”

The Canada Strong Pass will also be available from December 12, 2023, to January 15, 2024, and again in the summer of 2026. The pass grants free access to national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation centres, along with a 25% discount on camping fees. Children and teenagers can enter national museums for free, while young adults will receive a 50% discount. Additionally, children under 17 can travel free on Via Rail when accompanied by an adult, and young adults will enjoy a 25% fare reduction.

These combined initiatives aim to alleviate financial pressures on Canadian families. Hajdu concluded, “When people have a fair chance to succeed in Canadian society, our communities get stronger.” The government’s commitment to affordability reflects ongoing efforts to support vulnerable populations during challenging economic times.