Our plan to build Canada strong
On November 4, the Government of Canada introduced Budget 2025: Canada Strong.
The world is changing quickly and Canada must meet this moment with ambition and leadership. This budget lays out a plan to transform our economy – moving from dependence on a single trading partner to one that is more diverse and built for long-term prosperity – while protecting the things Canadians rely on every day.
We are making generational investments to build the infrastructure, homes and industries that will drive growth and create lasting prosperity. These investments will protect our communities and our borders, and empower Canadians with better careers and a more affordable future.
Please read on for some budget highlights or read the full budget online.
Jobs and Skills Training for Youth
Our plan will help a record 175,000 young Canadians gain access to jobs and skills training, opening doors to new skills, meaningful experiences, and paid work:
- Create approximately 100,000 Canada Summer Jobs in 2026, increasing opportunities for youth.
- Support 20,000 youth facing barriers with jobs, training, and wraparound supports like mentorship and mental health counselling through the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy.
- Fund 55,000 work-integrated learning opportunities for post-secondary students through the Student Work Placement Program in 2026-27.
- Create Canada’s first Youth Climate Corps to provide paid skills training and job placements for young Canadians to help respond to climate emergencies, support recovery efforts, and strengthen community resilience.
Generational Investments
Building our economic strength at home is how we create greater certainty, security and prosperity for Canadians. Budget 2025 includes a $51-billion Build Communities Strong Fund to support critical infrastructure projects across the country. This will upgrade trade and transportation networks, roads, bridges, water systems and public transit.
Closing Canada’s Housing Gap
On November 12, I was pleased to announce a $137-million federal investment to build 245 secure, co-operative rental homes in Scarborough. Once completed in 2028, The Cedars South Tower will offer below-market, rent-controlled homes close to public transit, schools, parks and shops for families in Scarborough Village.
Investments like this are happening across Canada and will be further strengthened by Build Canada Homes, a new federal agency that will help double the pace of home building over the next decade, restore housing affordability, and reduce homelessness.
Protecting Our Borders
Canada’s new government is strengthening law enforcement, expanding investigative capacity, and building communities where people feel safe:
- $1.7 billion over four years to hire 1,000 new RCMP personnel and strengthen its response to transnational organized crime, financial crimes, money laundering, and national security threats.
- $617.7 million over five years, and $198.3 million ongoing, to complete the hiring of 1,000 new CBSA personnel and strengthen efforts to detect and intercept stolen goods, guns and drugs.
- A National Anti-Fraud Strategy to protect Canadians from increasingly complex fraud schemes by working with financial institutions, technology, and telecommunications partners.
Happy Holidays, Centennial!
As we celebrate the holidays and spend time with loved ones, I want to thank everyone who donated to our annual toy drive for children with sickle cell anemia at the Scarborough Health Network. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!