22.48°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

heat-warnings-issued-across-southern-b-c-after-multiple-temperature-records-fall
BCJul 21, 2026

Heat warnings issued across southern B.C. after multiple temperature records fall

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued heat warnings for much of southern British Columbia after several communities recorded new daily temperature highs. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the warnings cover the east coast of Vancouver Island, Whistler and the Fraser Valley, and are expected to remain in effect until Wednesday. Heat warnings for parts of the Southern Interior could continue through Thursday. Forecasters say daytime temperatures in coastal areas are expected to exceed 30 C, while the Fraser Valley and Southern Interior could see highs near 35 C. Offi
hamilton-police-arrest-32-in-organized-home-depot-theft-investigation
BCJul 21, 2026

Hamilton police arrest 32 in organized Home Depot theft investigation

Hamilton Police Service says it has arrested 32 people and laid a total of 235 criminal charges following an investigation into an alleged organized retail theft ring targeting Home Depot stores in the city. According to a police news release issued Tuesday, the four-month investigation, dubbed Project Checkout, was launched after theft incidents at local Home Depot locations increased by 25 per cent. Police allege the group stole high-value merchandise from stores and later sold the items through online marketplaces at prices below retail value. Police said store employees were allegedly thre
carney-says-trump-agreed-to-accelerate-tariff-talks-as-canada-weighs-response
CanadaJul 21, 2026

Carney says Trump agreed to accelerate tariff talks as Canada weighs response

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he spoke with U.S. President Donald Trump by phone on Tuesday morning about the latest tariff dispute, confirming the two leaders discussed measures announced by the United States. Speaking to reporters in Ottawa, Carney said the proposed U.S. tariffs violate the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). He said Trump agreed to accelerate discussions in the coming weeks as both countries seek to address the trade dispute. Asked whether Canada is considering retaliatory tariffs, Carney said all options remain on the table if the proposed U.S. tariffs tak
calgary-police-say-ai-generated-misinformation-hindering-search-for-missing-11-year-old-boy
AlbertaJul 21, 2026

Calgary police say AI-generated misinformation hindering search for missing 11-year-old boy

Calgary police say online misinformation, including altered images and videos created using artificial intelligence, is interfering with the search for an 11-year-old boy with autism who has been missing since last week. According to the Calgary Police Service, Parker, who is non-verbal, was last seen Thursday at his care home in the city's north end. Investigators continue to search for the child and are asking the public to rely on information shared through official police channels. Acting Staff Sergeant Scott Guterson said AI-generated and manipulated content circulating online is divertin
trump-could-announce-new-tariffs-on-dozens-of-countries-this-week
WorldJul 21, 2026

Trump could announce new tariffs on dozens of countries this week

U.S. President Donald Trump could announce a new round of tariffs on dozens of countries as early as this week, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. The move would follow the scheduled expiry of the Trump administration's temporary 10 per cent global tariff, which is set to end on Friday. Initial tariffs announced under the new plan are expected to match the current 10 per cent rate, according to the reports. The administration is also continuing trade-related investigations that could provide the legal authority to impose higher tariff rates in the future. No official

Related News