Spring Economic Update headed in right direction, but Canada must move faster

OTTAWA — APRIL 29, 2026 — The Coalition for a Better Future welcomes a number of measures in the federal government's Spring Economic Update, which aims to position the Canadian economy to be more resilient in the face of geopolitical uncertainty and global trade disruption. The Coalition supports that intent — but warns that, in the current environment, announcements must be swiftly followed by execution.

"Building a resilient economy requires a sustained commitment from governments, businesses, and communities to work together over years, not news cycles. The Spring Economic Update contains important building blocks to put Canada on a path of sustainable growth and higher productivity. The next hurdle is whether the private sector will invest in technology, research, and workforce development to create jobs, raise incomes, and support the growth needed for sustainable social services in the future."

— The Hon. Anne McLellan, Co-Chair, Coalition for a Better Future

"Canadian businesses have been waiting for a signal that Ottawa understands the pressure they're under — and today's update sends some of the right ones. CPP relief for employers, a serious push on trades training, and new tools to invest in strategic sectors are meaningful steps. But the global trade environment is not waiting for us to get organized. Canada does not have the luxury of time. Announcements must become investments, and strategies must become results."

— The Hon. Lisa Raitt, Co-Chair, Coalition for a Better Future

The launch of the Team Canada Strong Program to recruit, train, and hire 80,000 to 100,000 new Red Seal trades workers by 2030-31, combined with new apprenticeship grants and wage incentives, is also a positive investment to strengthen Canada’s skilled workforce, putting workers at the centre of a more resilient Canada.

"Canada's economic resilience will be built by workers — and this investment in the trades is exactly the kind of decisive action that turns ambition into reality. Targeted supports for apprentices, expanded union-led training, and real pathways for Indigenous communities, youth, and newcomers are how we ensure the workforce is ready to meet this moment. When we invest in the people who build this country, we invest in Canada itself."

— Victoria Mancinelli, Director of Public Relations, Marketing and Strategic Partnerships, LiUNA; Advisory Council Member, Coalition for a Better Future

While urging swift implementation and cautioning against complacency, the Coalition highlights several key measures in the Spring Economic Update that address Canada's core productivity and growth challenges:

• The creation of the Canada Strong Fund, a national sovereign wealth fund to co-invest in infrastructure and nation-building projects

• The establishment of the Defence Investment Agency as a stand-alone entity

• A reduction in the CPP contribution rate

• Streamlining the application process for the Disability Tax Credit

• Making the Employee Ownership Trust tax exemption permanent

Together, these measures signal the government's intent to actively foster investment and productive capacity — and to build the economic foundations Canada will need to weather a more volatile and unpredictable world. The update also continues the government's efforts to address affordability and provide relief for workers and families navigating the rising cost of living.

The Coalition for a Better Future will measure the success of this update by the execution of policies that enable businesses and Canadians to build a stronger, more inclusive, and sustainable economy amidst global trade and geopolitical uncertainty.

Canada's window to act is narrow, and the cost of delay is high. Now is the time to execute.

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: info@canadacoalition.ca