20.64°C Vancouver

Apr 19, 2021 9:29 PM -

Federal Budget 2021: Highlights from Chrystia Freeland's speech and reaction

Share On
federal-budget-2021-highlights-from-chrystia-freelands-speech-and-reaction
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looks on as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland responds to a question during a news conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Highlights from the federal Liberal budget tabled Monday by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland:

$30 billion over the next five years, and $8.3 billion ongoing for early learning and child care and Indigenous early learning and child care.

The plan would aim to see an average drop in fees next year by 50 per cent for preschooler daycare spaces and an average of $10-a-day care by 2026.

$3 billion over five years, starting in 2022-23, to Health Canada to support provinces and territories in improving standards for long-term care. The government says this funding will keep seniors safe and improve their quality of life.

$2.2 billion in Canada's bio-manufacturing and life-sciences sector to rebuild Canada's national capacity in bio-manufacturing and vaccine development and production.

Introducing legislation to establish a federal minimum wage of $15 per hour, rising with inflation, with provisions to ensure that where provincial or territorial minimum wages are higher, that wage will prevail.

A new Canada Recovery Hiring Program to provide eligible employers with a subsidy of up to 50 per cent on the incremental remuneration paid to eligible employees between June 6 and November 20.

The program will provide $595 million to make it easier for businesses to hire back laid-off workers or to bring in new ones.

$17.6 billion towards a green recovery to create jobs, build a clean economy, and fight and protect against climate change.

$1 billion over six years, starting in 2021-22, to the Universal Broadband Fund to support a more rapid rollout of broadband projects in collaboration with provinces and territories and other partners.

$18 billion over the next five years to try to narrow the socio-economic gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, including $6 billion for infrastructure in Indigenous communities, and $2.2 billion to help end the tragedy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

$2.5 billion and reallocate $1.3 billion in existing funding in order to help build, repair or support 35,000 housing units.

Introduce Canada's first national tax on vacant property owned by non-residents.

Introducing a new tax on the sales, for personal use, of luxury cars and personal aircraft with a retail sales price over $100,000, and boats, for personal use, over $250,000.

Includes $100 million in new spending over the next three years.

Records a $155 billion deficit for 2021-22.

Latest news

senior-leaders-of-edmonton-based-infantry-battalion-removed-amid-investigation
AlbertaJun 24, 2026

Senior leaders of Edmonton-based infantry battalion removed amid investigation

The Department of National Defence says two senior leaders of a respected Armed Forces battalion have been removed pending an investigation. It says Lt.-Col. Jason Hudson and chief warrant officer Kim Doerr have been temporarily removed from their positions with 3rd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry. Hudson was the Edmonton-based unit's commanding officer. The Defence Department is sharing few details about the probe but says authority figures are expected to display good judgment and conduct. It says the 3rd Canadian Division, which oversees all Forces operations across W
marco-rubio-meets-uae-leaders-in-abu-dhabi-to-discuss-iran-and-regional-security
WorldJun 24, 2026

Marco Rubio Meets UAE Leaders in Abu Dhabi to Discuss Iran and Regional Security

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and other senior leaders in Abu Dhabi during his visit to the UAE. According to reports, the two sides discussed President Donald Trump's agreement with Iran, efforts to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, and ways to maintain peace and stability in the region. The meeting also focused on the strong bilateral relationship between the United States and the UAE, as well as ongoing cooperation in defense and trade. U.S. State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigo
missing-person-for-location-ganavi-ksheer-sagar
BCJun 24, 2026

Missing Person for Location – Ganavi Ksheer Sagar

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is requesting the public’s assistance in locating a missing 12-year-old female. Ganavi Ksheer Sagar was last seen at approximately 8:15 am on June 23, 2026, in the 6200 block 146 Street. Ganavi Ksheer Sagar is described as South Asian, 5’1” tall, 150 lbs, with long black hair and brown eyes (please see attached photo). She was last seen wearing a black hoodie, grey or black pants, white shoes, and a blue Nike backpack. She is believed to be on foot and may be in the area of North Surrey. Police and family are concerned and are requesting assistance from the
lytton-wildfire-brought-under-control-as-24-fires-remain-active-across-b-c
BCJun 24, 2026

Lytton Wildfire Brought Under Control as 24 Fires Remain Active Across B.C.

The wildfire burning near the Village of Lytton, B.C., has now been brought under control. The fire was first discovered last Friday and is believed to have been caused by human activity. The blaze grew sixfold overnight, prompting evacuation orders and forcing the temporary closure of Highway 1 through the area. According to the B.C. Wildfire Service, eight new wildfires were discovered across the province in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of active wildfires in British Columbia to 24. Fire crews continue working to contain and extinguish the blazes. The agency said that 13 of t
severe-heatwave-in-france-claims-58-lives-40-drown-while-trying-to-escape-the-heat
WorldJun 24, 2026

Severe Heatwave in France Claims 58 Lives; 40 Drown While Trying to Escape the Heat

A severe heatwave in France has claimed the lives of 58 people so far. According to reports, many people have been seeking relief from the scorching temperatures by swimming in rivers, lakes, and canals. As a result, 40 people have drowned over the past few days, with most of the victims being young people. In addition, 18 people, including two children, have died from heat-related illnesses and heatstroke. The extreme temperatures also forced the shutdown of France's Golfech nuclear power plant on Monday night. Officials expect the temperature of the Garonne River, which is used to cool the p

Related News