On February 10, our country was shaken by tragic news from Tumbler Ridge. My heart breaks for the families, friends, and loved ones of all the victims as they grieve an unimaginable loss.
In Tumbler Ridge, I witnessed both profound heartbreak and extraordinary strength. From the RCMP, whose swift response saved lives; to the paramedics and medical staff at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre, who acted without hesitation; to the teachers and school staff, who protected their students with extraordinary courage; and to every resident of Tumbler Ridge, who have shown resilience in the face of abject cruelty—know that all of Canada stands with you.
My officials and I remain in close contact with my provincial counterparts, Mayor Darryl Krakowka, law enforcement, and community leaders. Across party lines and at every level of government, we are working together to ensure Tumbler Ridge has the support it needs. A thorough investigation is underway, and we must allow it to proceed with the care and seriousness it demands. We owe that to the victims and their families.
In the hours, days, and months ahead, our promise to the community of Tumbler Ridge remains: we will always be with you. It is not in memorial, but in solidarity.
Making Groceries and Essentials More Affordable
Canada is moving from reliance to resilience. In under a year, we have secured 12 new trade and investment partnerships, fast-tracked 11 nation-building projects, cut taxes for 22 million Canadians, and expanded vital social programs.
We are equally focused on lowering costs. In January, we introduced the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. This benefit will replace the GST Credit with a 25% increase for five years starting July 2026 and a one-time 50% boost this year.
· A family of four could receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 per year for the next four years.
· A single person could receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 per year for the next four years.
· A single senior with $25,000 in net income would receive up to $950 this year, and about $683 per year for the next four years.
New EV Rebates to Help Canadians Save and Cut Emissions
Canada’s auto industry has been on the frontline of global shifts and the target of U.S. trade action. These changes require a bold plan to transform Canada’s auto sector—one that rewards the production of made-in-Canada vehicles, supports Canadian autoworkers, and cuts emissions as we build an increasingly electric future:
· Allocate $3 billion through the Strategic Response Fund to help Canada’s auto industry adapt, grow, and diversify into new markets.
· Launch a five-year EV Affordability Program with incentives of up to $5,000 for battery-electric and fuel-cell vehicles, and up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrids.
Incentives would apply to vehicles priced up to $50,000 from countries with Canadian free trade agreements, while Canadian-made EVs and plug-in hybrids would not be subject to this cap.
· Expand Canada’s EV charging network and strengthen greenhouse gas emission standards to put Canada on track to reach 75% EV sales by 2035.
By setting stringent emissions standards, manufacturers will have the flexibility to use a range of technologies to meet consumer needs in the near term, while driving EV adoption over time.
More details about the EV Affordability Program (EVAP) will be available online.