C-31 (45-1) - Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2

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Source: Parliament of Canada (LEGISinfo)
Date: 2026-10-30 12:26:14.0
Tags: [National, Finance, Taxation, Economy, Governance]

Bill C-31 (45th Parliament, 1st Session), titled the Budget 2025 Implementation Act, No. 2 and sponsored by Minister of Finance and National Revenue, has advanced to the report stage in the House of Commons following committee review by the Standing Committee on Finance, which presented its report with amendments on October 30, 2026. The legislation implements provisions stemming from the federal budget tabled on November 4, 2025, and the 2026 Spring Economic Update titled 'Canada Strong For All'. The Senate has concurrently authorized pre-study of the bill's subject matter across multiple standing committees, including the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance and specialized sectoral committees assigned to specific divisions of Part 4 of the bill.

A Plan to Protect Ontario

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Finance
Date: 2026-10-29 18:10:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Economy, Taxation, Finance, Trade, Industry]

Ontario Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy released the 2026 Ontario Economic and Fiscal Review: A Plan to Protect Ontario, projecting a deficit of $16.9 billion in 2026-27 and a return to a balanced budget in 2029-30. The fiscal plan features an $8 billion Ontario Competitiveness Tax Cut tied to the federal Productivity Mega Deduction, an $8.7 billion Canada-Ontario action plan targeting the steel, automotive, and critical minerals sectors, and nearly $30 billion in cumulative tariff relief and business supports implemented since April 2025. Additionally, the government committed to streamlining 35 to 50 percent of the province's 375 business-facing permits by the end of 2028 and restoring capital expenditures as eligible under the Ontario Research and Development Tax Credit and Ontario Innovation Tax Credit to provide over $50 million in tax support over three years.

Province Announces $8 Billion Ontario Competitiveness Tax Cut to Support Investment and Create 30,000 Jobs

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Finance
Date: 2026-10-28 14:08:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Taxation, Economy, Finance, Trade, Industry]

The Ontario Ministry of Finance announced the $8 billion Ontario Competitiveness Tax Cut as part of its multi-year Tax Action Plan to counter U.S. tariffs and lower business investment costs. Administered as the provincial counterpart to the federal Productivity Mega Deduction, the policy allows eligible businesses to immediately write off 100 per cent of capital investments in assets such as fibre-optic cables, software, aircraft, machinery, and patents. The measure is projected to drive at least $11 billion in new capital investment, add $6 billion to the provincial GDP, and support the creation of 30,000 new jobs over five years. Combined with prior initiatives from Budget 2026, total business tax relief will exceed $12 billion over five years, reducing Ontario's Marginal Effective Tax Rate to 3.6 per cent.

Ontario Celebrates Small Business Week

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Date: 2026-10-19 14:00:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Economy, Taxation, Finance, Industry, Labour]

In recognition of Small Business Week, Associate Minister Nina Tangri highlighted that Ontario's over 500,000 small businesses employ nearly 2.5 million people. The 2026 Ontario Budget cut the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 per cent to 2.2 per cent, providing $1.1 billion in relief and up to $5,000 in annual savings to over 375,000 small businesses. Additionally, the government is investing a record $49 million over the next three years in the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBACs) network across more than 50 locations, alongside ongoing investments in Futurpreneur and Summer Company.

Minister Pardy Tables 2025-26 Public Accounts

Source: Newfoundland & Labrador - Government Releases
Date: 2026-10-16 16:05:45.0
Tags: [Newfoundland and Labrador, Finance, Economy, Taxation, Infrastructure]

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador released its independently audited 2025-26 Public Accounts ahead of the November 1 statutory deadline, revealing a deficit of $377.6 million, which is $5.8 million higher than originally budgeted. Total revenue exceeded the budget by $420.8 million, bolstered by offshore royalties reaching $1.7 billion—approximately $350 million higher than the previous year—along with increased taxation and federal revenues. The province invested approximately $774 million in capital acquisitions for public infrastructure, transportation assets, health care facilities, and schools, while net debt at year-end was approximately $434 million lower than originally budgeted and the unfunded pension liability declined by approximately $483 million.

Provinces call on Ottawa to expand mining credit

Source: Global News Politics
Date: 2026-10-10 12:17:12.0
Tags: [National, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Taxation, Economy, Resources, Mining, Finance]

Nearly half of Canada's provinces and territories—specifically Nova Scotia, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, and Yukon—are urging the federal Liberal government to fulfill its 2025 election promise to expand the mineral exploration tax credit to include engineering and feasibility study costs. The Association for Mineral Exploration and the Nunavut and N.W.T. Chamber of Mines argue this measure is crucial to help junior mining companies navigate the late-stage 'valley of death' financing gap. An Ernst & Young report commissioned by the association indicates that covering feasibility and economic viability studies could generate between 14,000 and 34,000 jobs and add $5.2 billion to $12.2 billion in GDP over 10 years. While Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne's office highlighted recent federal initiatives such as the Productivity Mega Deduction and the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit, federal expenses under the Canadian exploration expenses framework still exclude economic assessments and feasibility studies.

Health spending helped push New Brunswick deficit to record $1.3B in last fiscal year

Source: New Brunswick - Regional News
Date: 2026-09-25 13:46:00.0
Tags: [New Brunswick, Finance, Healthcare, Social Services, Economy, Taxation]

The Government of New Brunswick announced a record deficit of $1.3 billion for the previous fiscal year, more than double the $549-million shortfall projected in the March 2025 budget by the Liberal government. Provincial revenues fell short by nearly $217 million due to lower harmonized sales taxes and reduced corporate and personal income taxes. Conversely, expenses exceeded expectations by almost $538 million, primarily driven by increased spending on healthcare and social development. Finance Minister René Legacy noted that the province closed the fiscal year with a net debt of $13.9 billion while facing ongoing cost pressures and potential U.S. trade tariffs.

Ontario Investing $49 Million to Strengthen Supports for Small Business

Source: Ontario - Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade
Date: 2026-09-24 14:00:00.0
Tags: [Ontario, Economy, Taxation, Industry, Finance]

The Ontario government is investing a record $49 million over three years into the Ontario Small Business Advisory Centres (OSBAC) network—formerly known as Small Business Enterprise Centres—to provide business support services across more than 50 locations. Backed by Associate Minister of Small Business Nina Tangri, the funding aims to help entrepreneurs navigate economic uncertainty and U.S. tariffs by streamlining access to one-on-one consultations, advisory services, and provincial programs like Summer Company, Starter Company Plus, and Succession Ontario. This initiative is part of a broader economic plan that also includes cutting the small business corporate income tax rate from 3.2 percent to 2.2 percent, saving over 375,000 small businesses up to $5,000 annually and providing $1.1 billion in total tax relief over three years.

CRA still owed over $5B in COVID-19 benefits sent to ineligible recipients

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-18 19:50:00.0
Tags: [National, Taxation, Finance, Economy, Social Services]

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) reported that as of July 31, Canadians still owe $5.56 billion in outstanding debt for COVID-19 pandemic benefits—specifically under the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)—after being deemed ineligible. The total debt has nearly halved from over $10 billion reported the previous November, with approximately $3.671 billion successfully recovered since collections began in 2022. The remaining balance includes $2.91 billion for CERB and $1.81 billion for CRB, though figures continue to fluctuate due to ongoing repayments, reassessed eligibility, and write-offs for permanent financial hardship recommended to Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). The CRA maintains a flexible collection approach with extended timelines and interest-free repayment arrangements, while retaining the right to pursue legal action against debtors with the verified ability to pay.

'Momentous decision': Alberta separation could cost up to $170 billion, says U of C report

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-09-16 17:30:44.0
Tags: [Alberta, Economy, Finance, Governance, Taxation, Trade]

A government-commissioned report from the University of Calgary School of Public Policy estimates that establishing an independent Alberta would cost between $50 billion and $170 billion in the first five years following separation. Under a 'smooth' secession scenario, the report projects Alberta would add nearly $210 billion in debt—largely from its share of Canada's national debt—along with short-term GDP contraction and initial per-capita tax increases of over $800. Under a 'difficult' scenario involving adversarial negotiations, Alberta's total debt could approach $442 billion (making up nearly 90 per cent of its GDP) with per-capita wage losses reaching $5,500 and short-term tax increases of $5,400 over the first five years. The findings precede an October 19 vote regarding whether the province should further pursue separation, as overseen by Finance Minister Jason Nixon's office and a five-member advisory panel.

Carney government introduces mega-deduction tax measure to spur more investment

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-15 19:41:51.0
Tags: [National, Taxation, Economy, Finance, Industry, Trade]

Prime Minister Mark Carney's federal government announced the productivity mega-deduction tax measure at the Canada Investment Summit, expanding on last year's productivity super-deduction to cover two-thirds of assets. The program allows companies to expense the total cost of new investments across sectors including machinery, equipment, clean energy, and zero-emission vehicles immediately rather than over a project's lifetime. The policy change is projected to cost $36 billion over five years and is estimated to slash Canada's marginal effective tax rate from 13 per cent down to 6.4 per cent, making it the lowest in the G7 to improve tax competitiveness and retain investment during trade tensions.

Strong and Steady: Saskatchewan Maintains Top Provincial Credit Rating

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-09-14 21:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Taxation, Economy, Affordability]

Moody's Investors Service, Morningstar DBRS, and S&P Global have affirmed Saskatchewan's top provincial credit ratings (Aa1, AA (low), and AA respectively) with stable outlooks, citing strong financial management and a manageable debt burden. Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance Jim Reiter noted that the province's economic strength supports the 2026-27 Budget, which implements the second year of a four-year provincial income tax reduction plan providing approximately $200 million in savings. Under this plan, a family of four pays no provincial income tax on their first $65,000 of income, representing the highest threshold in Canada. Furthermore, Saskatchewan projects real Gross Domestic Product growth to rank third-highest among provinces in 2026 and second-highest in 2027, alongside maintaining the second-lowest net-debt-to-GDP ratio in the country.

'Cool to be Canadian': Leaders optimistic their pitch to invest here will pay off

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-14 19:59:47.0
Tags: [National, Ontario, Economy, Taxation, Finance, Trade, Industry, Mining]

Prime Minister Mark Carney hosted the Canada Investment Summit in Toronto to attract foreign capital and secure $1 trillion in investments amidst trade friction with the United States. Minister of Finance François-Philippe Champagne announced that the Canadian Revenue Agency will prioritize advanced income tax rulings for investments exceeding $1 billion to reduce regulatory risk. The government's 66-page pitchbook featured more than 160 major projects, including Canada Nickel Company's Crawford nickel project, which is seeking $2 billion in funding.

B.C. economy shows resilience in first quarterly report

Source: British Columbia - Government News
Date: 2026-09-14 19:30:00.0
Tags: [British Columbia, Economy, Finance, Taxation, Infrastructure, Emergency]

British Columbia's First Quarterly Report for 2026-2027 projects a provincial deficit of $13.8 billion—$450 million higher than Budget 2026—driven by an intense wildfire season with fire-management expenditures forecast at $614 million higher than budget and $458 million in higher refundable tax credits. Total provincial revenue is forecast at $86.3 billion, bolstered by corporate and personal income taxes, while real GDP growth for 2026 is forecast at 0.9% amid U.S. tariffs and global volatility. Taxpayer-supported capital spending is maintained at $12.9 billion for projects including the Quw’utsun Valley Hospital, the new St. Paul’s Hospital, and Highway 1 Colquitz River Bridges widening, alongside eight newly approved major capital projects.

'Balancing act': City juggles split views and steep costs in budget feedback

Source: Alberta - Edmonton Journal (Legislature & Capital)
Date: 2026-09-08 22:38:09.0
Tags: [Municipal, Finance, Taxation, Economy, Infrastructure]

The City of Edmonton presented its city-wide budget feedback report for the upcoming four-year budget cycle, highlighting competing public priorities between maintaining infrastructure like roads and keeping property taxes low. City planners reported a current year-to-date financial surplus of $106.4 million, projected to narrow to roughly $500,000 by year-end, while acknowledging that impending U.S. tariffs and heavy summer rain damage present emerging cost risks. Mayor Andrew Knack and city councillors noted ongoing tensions regarding funding levels for police, public transit, and core services amid rising operational inventories and inflationary pressures.

Liberals will extend gas and diesel tax holiday into 2027, sources say

Source: CBC Politics
Date: 2026-09-02 13:09:12.0
Tags: [National, Taxation, Affordability, Economy, Finance]

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne announced an extension of the federal excise tax holiday on gasoline and diesel until early 2027. Originally introduced in April by Prime Minister Mark Carney as a temporary measure costing an estimated $2.4 billion to mitigate short-term oil price pressures from the U.S. conflict with Iran, the policy cuts the 10-cent federal excise tax per litre of gas and 4 cents per litre of diesel. The extension comes amid ongoing demands from provincial leaders like Ontario Premier Doug Ford and federal Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre for further tax relief.

Government of Saskatchewan Releases 2026-27 First Quarter Report

Source: Saskatchewan - Government News
Date: 2026-08-27 22:00:00.0
Tags: [Saskatchewan, Finance, Economy, Taxation]

The Government of Saskatchewan released its 2026-27 First Quarter Report, forecasting an $825 million deficit with total revenue of $21.7 billion and total expenses of $22.6 billion, compared to the initially projected $819 million deficit. Total revenue is $331 million higher than budget due to non-renewable resource revenues increasing by $320 million, driven by West Texas Intermediate oil prices rising to US $75.00 per barrel. Conversely, total expenses increased by $337 million over budget due to healthcare service demand pressures, compensation costs, flood-related response efforts, and higher Crop Insurance claims from unseeded acres. The province's net debt-to-GDP ratio is projected to improve to 14.9 per cent by March 31, 2027, with real GDP growth expected to rank third-highest among provinces in 2026 and second-highest in 2027.