Ottawa's 2026 budget adds a one-time grocery boost, a bigger worker benefit, and heat pump rebates

A single person without children would receive $339 more under a one-time 50 per cent increase to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit in Ottawa's 2026 budget, with a couple with two children getting up to $679. The supplement is proposed for the 2026-2027 benefit year and would be delivered in early 2027, according to the Department of Finance's budget chapter.

The Canada Workers Benefit is set to be renamed the Build Canada Worker Benefit. A single worker without children would see the annual amount rise from $1,709 to $1,859, and a family from $2,943 to $3,143. The minimum earnings threshold would drop from $3,000 to $500, and the threshold for the disability supplement from $1,150 to $200. The budget says nearly two million workers would be helped, including 180,000 new recipients.

On energy, the budget commits $2 billion to heat pump rebates over eight years. Households with incomes below the median could receive up to $10,000, and other eligible homeowners up to $2,000. According to the government's October 8 backgrounder, the program covers eligible homeowners, requires a product on the Eligible Products List, and does not require an energy audit. The program advertises average savings on energy bills for households heating with oil, propane or electric resistance.

The Canada Caregiver Credit becomes fully refundable starting in 2027, with a maximum of $1,260 a year. The budget projects 585,000 caregivers will benefit and 180,000 who receive nothing now will receive support.

The budget also renews the Canada Strong Pass, with $76 million for 2027-2028, and proposes free year-round admission to national museums for children and youth under 25.