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Budget Day 2026: What a $63B+ Deficit Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • Thursday, November 5, 2026 Ottawa tables its second Carney-era budget today. Almost everyone expects big spending. Hardly anyone expects it to help their own bank account. Here is what the numbers say, and what to do about it. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne says today’s budget is about “changing Canada’s growth model”: less reliance on the U.S., more building at home. That is a big-picture pitch. Your household budget is a small-picture problem, and a new Abacus Data poll shows the gap between the two is wide. The poll in one line: only 10% of Canadians expect Budget 2026 to make their household better off. 30% expect to be worse off, and 48% expect little difference. (Abacus Data, 1,809 adults, Oct. 30 to Nov. 3.) The deficit, in plain numbers The Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO) is the government’s independent fiscal referee. Its latest outlook, which predates the budget and only counts measures already announced, sets the stage: PBO proj...
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Tax-Savvy Strategies: Maximizing Your CRA Returns

                                         

    
As the tax season looms, Canadians are reminded of the April 30 deadline for filing and payment to avoid penalties from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). To ensure a smooth tax experience and potentially increase your returns, here are some key strategies:

  1. RRSP Contributions: Ensure you report any contributions made to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) within the first 60 days of the year to qualify for a tax refund.

  2. First Home Savings Account: Take advantage of the new First Home Savings Account (FHSA) for tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for your first home’s down payment.

  3. Medical Expense Tax Credit: Families can claim the non-refundable medical expense tax credit if their total medical expenses exceed the lesser of $2,635 or 3% of net income.

  4. Home Office Expenses: Remote workers can claim home office expenses, though the flat-rate method is no longer available; detailed tracking is required.

By mastering these tax changes and utilizing accounts like the TFSA, Canadians can lighten their tax burden and keep more money in their pockets. Remember, early preparation is key to a stress-free tax season.


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