Title: Carney Unveils Budget Plans for Tax Filing and School Food Program

OTTAWA - Prime Minister Mark Carney announced significant initiatives in the upcoming federal budget, including a plan for the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to prepare pre-filled tax returns for low-income individuals with straightforward tax situations. This initiative aims to help ensure that these individuals can access various benefit programs. Carney noted that millions of lower-income Canadians do not file their taxes, stating, "And that means, too often, the people who most need benefits often don’t get them."

During a press conference at a recreation center in an Ottawa suburb, Carney, alongside Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, previewed the budget set to be introduced on November 4. The CRA currently operates an automatic filing pilot program, which was first announced by the Trudeau government in 2023. Following consultations with community organizations and tax professionals, the CRA has been tasked with expanding this service. Carney indicated that the automatic benefit program is expected to roll out in the 2026 tax year, potentially covering up to 5.5 million people by the 2028 tax year.

In addition to the tax filing initiative, Carney confirmed that the national school food program will become a permanent fixture, with an annual funding commitment of $216 million. This program was initially established by the Trudeau government, which allocated $1 billion over five years starting in the 2024-25 school year, aiming to provide meals for 400,000 children each year. The Carney administration has pledged to ensure permanent funding for the program beginning in 2029.

Carney also announced the revival of the "Canada Strong pass" for the upcoming holiday season and next summer. This initiative, part of the Liberal election platform and launched last summer, offers free admission to parks and museums, as well as discounts for young adults traveling on Via Rail. Carney highlighted that visits to museums, parks, and historic sites increased by an average of 15 percent over the summer, indicating a positive response to the program.

These announcements come as the government prepares for the upcoming budget, which aims to address the needs of low-income Canadians and enhance access to essential services.