Department of Finance Canada 2025–26 Departmental Plan at a glance

Planned spending: $149,785,347,525 (includes $149,485,137,579 for statutory programs, including transfers to other levels of government)

Planned human resources: 714

Departmental results:

• Canadians enjoy stronger, more sustainable, and inclusive economic growth that contributes to higher standards of living
• Canada's public finances are sound, sustainable, and inclusive
• Canada has a fair and competitive tax system
• Canada has a sound financial sector
• The Government of Canada's borrowing requirements are met at a low and stable cost to support an effective management of the federal debt on behalf of Canadians
• The Government of Canada effectively supports provinces, territories, and Indigenous governments
• Canada maintains its leadership and engagement globally and deepens its trading relationships

The Department is responsible for the overall stewardship of the Canadian economy. This includes preparing the annual federal budget, setting overall fiscal and economic policy, and advising the government on tax and tariff policy. It also provides advice on social measures, security issues, financial sector stability, and Canada's international commitments.

In 2025-26, the Department will continue to support the Minister of Finance and National Revenue in advancing the government's priorities, and plans to achieve results for Canadians in the following areas:

Sound Fiscal Management

• Support the government's responsible management of the federal budget and federal debt by providing analysis and advice consistent with preserving Canada's low-debt advantage.
• Develop policy advice and proposals to enhance the fairness, efficiency, and competitiveness of Canada's tax system.
• Continue to develop and support policies on the efficient management of Crown investments, federal government debt, and foreign reserves.

Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth

• Support the government's agenda with respect to Canada-U.S. trade relations, by protecting Canada's interests and enhancing mutually beneficial trade with the U.S.
• Work with provinces and territories to remove internal trade barriers and strengthen Canada’s economic union. 
• Advance strategic measures with domestic and international partners to protect Canadians from rapidly evolving financial sector integrity and security risks, such as money laundering.
• Develop policy options and provide advice to promote a competitive business sector, bolster key supply chains, and secure Canada's economic interests.
• Collaborate with government departments and other central agencies on policies that support skills training, labour force participation, Canada's immigration system, and internal trade.
• Foster economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples in collaboration with government departments by providing advice on the development of policies and programs that promote Indigenous economic participation.
• Bolster inclusive economic growth that supports the government's efforts to achieve its climate goals and accelerate the transition to a net-zero economy no later than 2050.
• Complete the implementation of Canada's suite of clean economy investment tax credits to support clean energy and decarbonizing technologies in Canada.
• Provide policy advice on maintaining a stable, resilient, and innovative financial sector that continues to meet the needs of Canadians, including individuals and businesses.

Sound Social Policy Framework

• Continue to manage the major transfer payment programs to provinces and territories.
• Continue work with government departments and other central agencies to improve affordability for Canadians, including through implementation of initiatives such as early learning and child care, the Canadian Dental Care Plan, improvements to the Canada Student Financial Assistance Program, and Canada's housing response.
• Collaborate with government departments, other central agencies, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous partners, and Indigenous governments to develop policy proposals that address the government's priority to advance reconciliation and other social policy issues.

Effective International Engagement

• Contribute to the effective management of Canada-U.S. trade and economic relations.
• Collaborate with international partners and organizations to ensure a strong, coordinated, and effective multilateral response to Russia's war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East and ensure a strong and stable global economy.
• Support Canada's global leadership and engagement, including strong and secure trading relationships.
• Collaborate with international partners and government departments to advance key priorities and deliverables for Canada's 2025 G7 Presidency and leadership of the G7 Finance Track.

More information about Economic and Fiscal Policy can be found in the full plan.