Newsletter - May 06, 2026
Over the past year, Canadians have been navigating a rapidly changing and increasingly uncertain global economy. In response, Canada’s government is focused on what we can control here at home: building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy that works for everyone.
Last week, the Spring Economic Update 2026 was released, marking an important step forward in that work. It provides a clear and transparent update on Canada’s finances, while outlining how we are continuing to invest in Canadians and in the long-term strength of our country. You can read it here.
At its core, this plan is focused on three priorities: building the major infrastructure that connects our economy, lowering costs for Canadians, and protecting our communities and sovereignty. It reflects a fiscally responsible approach, including reducing the projected deficit for 2025–26 by more than $11 billion, while continuing to make targeted investments that matter.
This includes new initiatives like the Canada Strong Fund, Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund, which will invest in key Canadian projects and give Canadians a direct stake in our economic future. It also includes the Major Projects Office, advancing 21 nation-building initiatives that will support tens of thousands of jobs and drive over $125 billion in investment.
A key part of this plan is ensuring we have the workforce to build Canada’s future. That is why Team Canada Strong is so important. This new nationwide effort will recruit, train, and hire up to 100,000 skilled trades workers. I joined Prime Minister Carney here in Oakville last week to launch this initiative, highlighting the critical role our community plays in building Canada strong.
The update also continues to focus on affordability. Measures like the temporary pause on the federal fuel excise tax are helping lower costs at the pump, while the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide direct support to more than 12 million Canadians, with payments beginning June 5.
We are also taking steps to make housing more affordable by reducing development charges and providing targeted GST relief for homebuyers, helping more Canadians achieve the goal of home ownership.
At the same time, we are ensuring Canadian businesses and workers are supported in a changing global trade environment. This week, the federal government announced $1.5 billion in new support for industries affected by U.S. tariffs.
This includes a new $1 billion program through the Business Development Bank of Canada to support companies in the steel, aluminum, and copper sectors, helping them adapt and remain competitive. An additional $500 million is being delivered through the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support small and medium-sized businesses in Oakville East and across the country as they diversify and grow.
These measures will help protect Canadian jobs, strengthen our industries, and ensure our economy remains resilient in the face of global challenges, while putting more money in Canadians' pockets and building a stronger economy for tomorrow.
As we head into the weekend, I also want to take a moment to wish all mothers and mother figures in our community a very happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for everything you do to support your families and strengthen our community each and every day.
Recent Highlights
Team Canada Strong Announcement in Oakville
Recently, we welcomed Prime Minister Carney to #Oakville today to launch Team Canada Strong — a nationwide plan to recruit and train up to 100,000 skilled trades workers. This investment will help build more homes, strengthen our economy, and create new opportunities for the next generation. Building Canada strong, together.
Federal-Provincial-Territorial Francophonie Consultation Committee
Last week, we launched the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Francophonie Consultation Committee — an important step to strengthen collaboration and deepen Canada’s role in La Francophonie. Together, we’ll showcase the richness of francophone communities across Canada and around the world, as we look ahead to the 2028 Francophonie Summit.
Trip to Armenia
his past weekend, I met with my Armenian counterpart to advance Canada–Armenia economic ties. With nearly 60,000 Armenian Canadians, our people-to-people connections are a strong foundation to grow trade, attract investment, and create new opportunities in both countries. We’re focused on inclusive growth and long-term stability in the South Caucasus. We then visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, Armenia. A moment to pay tribute, honour and remember.
Canada Summer Jobs
Applications for Canada Summer Jobs are now open. Visit the Job Bank to explore opportunities in Oakville East and across Canada and find a role that is right for you this summer.
Your May Federal Benefits
