The federal liberals have officially tabled their second budget under Prime Minister Mark Carney, and here at home, Kitchener’s mayor gave his support, saying the city is ready to help strengthen the country’s economic independence.
It comes as the federal government released its latest budget for 2026 titled ‘Masters of Our Destiny’, proposing $142.1 billion in a list of new measures over the next five years, offset by what’s been described as $159 billion in “stronger-than-expected” federal revenues.
“Budget 2026 is the next step in our ambitious plan to help businesses of all sizes invest and grow, to help Canadians get ahead, and to build a stronger, sovereign Canada,” said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne.
Some key aspects included in that budget include a one-time top-up for the Grocery and Essentials Benefit, $50 billion to expand the country’s electrical system, a new due filing deadline of May 15 for tax filing, and added spending in areas such as defence, border services, and combatting homelessness.
“Today’s federal budget recognizes the real pressures people are feeling across Canada and here in Kitchener,” said Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic.
“We see them in the cost of groceries and housing, in our workplaces and across our neighbourhoods. This moment calls for meaningful action.”
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Vrbanovic stated that the city is prepared to help the country as it works to strengthen a “more independent Canadian economy,” thanks in part to the city’s emphasis on technology, manufacturing, and research.
“The budget identifies Canada’s highly skilled workforce, research institutions and capacity for innovation as strengths that can help our country compete and prosper. Kitchener is ready to contribute,” Vrbanovic stated.
“At the heart of Canada’s innovation and technology corridor, our community brings together skilled workers, entrepreneurs, researchers and companies developing ideas and products for markets at home and around the world. Kitchener has an important role to play as Canada strengthens its economic independence, helps Canadian businesses scale and creates good jobs here at home.”
Vrbanovic pointed to a few key areas that he’s particularly pleased to see included in that new budget, mainly centred around boosts for arenas and community recreation facilities, as well as housing.
“We also applaud the federal government’s 10-year $29-billion commitment towards supportive housing and services for people and communities, which was also announced in today’s budget,” he said.
“We recognize the difference an investment of this scale can make and will require orders of governments and communities to work together to get it right.”
He said he’s happy to see further investments through the Build Communities Strong Fund, which has already been helping the city “create welcoming places where residents can connect, stay active and take part in community life.”
“As Kitchener grows, we will continue to advocate for sustained investment in the infrastructure, facilities and services residents depend on. These investments help us build complete neighbourhoods, support more housing and provide stability for the future.”
Vrbanovic said the city is ready to work alongside the Government of Canada to turn “national priorities into local results.”
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