Budget 2025 first step to economic growth, but success hinges on private sector execution and speed
OTTAWA, NOVEMBER 5, 2025 - The Coalition for a Better Future welcomes the federal government’s 2025 budget as the first step to grow the Canadian economy.
Our annual Scorecard highlights the urgent need for Canada to close the investment gap with our peers in areas such as research and development, intellectual property, machinery and equipment, and the training of our workers.
The budget, tabled by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, takes steps in the right direction by prioritizing investment and long-term growth. But, Canada's prosperity and our ability to compete globally now depend on the private sector to seize the opportunities created by this budget, and make the bold investments necessary to build a stronger, more competitive, and more productive Canadian economy, say Coalition co-chairs Hon. Anne McLellan and Hon. Lisa Raitt.
“Canada’s prosperity depends on getting our economy growing. This budget recognizes that productivity and private investment are essential to a better future for all Canadians, said Raitt. “This budget is the first step in encouraging the investment needed to improve productivity and build a stronger economy. What matters now is execution and speed — ensuring that these commitments translate into confidence for businesses to invest, hire, and innovate here at home.”
“The need to get Canada back on a path of sustainable growth and higher productivity has never been greater,” said McLellan. “This budget begins to respond to that call, focusing attention on investment and competitiveness. The real test will be whether the private sector embraces these measures by investing in the technology, research and workforce development to create jobs, increase incomes and foster the growth needed to sustain our social services for future generations.”
Our Coalition evaluates economic progress using a Scorecard of 21 metrics based on three themes: living better, growing sustainably and winning globally.
We applaud the following investments that get us closer to our economic growth goals:
$13 billion as an initial investment in Build Canada Homes.
Eliminating the GST on first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million.
Making the National School Food Program Permanent
Increasing the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) from $54.7 billion in 2025-26 to $65.0 billion in 2029-30, supported by the CHT growth guarantee of at least 5 per cent for five years
Investing $51 billion over 10 years to support infrastructure projects such as hospitals, colleges and community centres (with provincial cost-matching)
$115.2 billion over five years on bridges, public transit and other infrastructure
Strengthening industrial carbon pricing
Recommitting to the landmark Clean Electricity Regulations and the imminent finalization of clean electricity investment tax credits
Investing $1 billion over three years to leverage private venture capital through the Venture and Growth Capital Catalyst Initiative
Investing $925.6 million over five years to support public AI infrastructure
$1.2 billion is devoted to helping the forestry sector maintain operations and diversify market opportunities
A Productivity Super Deduction to enhance tax write-offs for all new capital investment.
Immediate expensing of costs for purchases of manufacturing or processing buildings.
$440 million a year more in funding to increase research and development under SR&ED.
$1.7 billion to recruit a thousand highly qualified international researchers.
Economic growth is not an abstract goal — it’s about better jobs, rising incomes, and opportunities for every generation. Canada’s economy is capable of much more. Our annual Scorecard reflects that our productivity, innovation, and competitiveness have been lagging, constrained by both global headwinds and domestic barriers. The result is a country that has not yet reached its full potential to create prosperity that is both inclusive and sustainable.
As Minister Champagne has noted, “This budget must be generational in its ambition and serve to shape our economy and our nation’s future.” This is a time to build — but also to measure. The Coalition for a Better Future will continue to assess the impact of government policies and how they enable businesses, industry associations and Canadians to build a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable economy, especially in the face of today’s global trade and geopolitical uncertainty.
About the Coalition for a Better Future
The Coalition represents a diverse and growing community of like-minded organizations in the private and not-for-profit sectors. We are unified in our belief that economic growth is necessary for job creation, rising incomes, a cleaner environment, and a better quality of life.
For more information or to set up an interview, please contact:
Tina Romito
Director of Operations, Coalition for a Better Future
operations@canadacoalition.ca
