Compton–Stanstead MP Marianne Dandurand highlights several measures in Budget 2026 that address priorities she has been advocating for over the past several months, particularly regarding the cost of living, cellular connectivity, local media, food security and business competitiveness.
“Budget 2026 includes important measures for families, including support to help manage the cost of living, assistance for caregivers and investments to accelerate the construction of affordable housing. I am particularly pleased to see several of the issues I have been advocating for on behalf of our region reflected in this budget,” said Marianne Dandurand.
Supporting families
Budget 2026 increases the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit with a one-time 50% supplement for the 2026–2027 benefit year. The supplement could amount to up to $339 for a single person without children and $679 for a couple with two children.
The budget also makes the Canada Caregiver Credit fully refundable, allowing eligible caregivers to receive up to $1,260 annually starting in 2027.
In housing, the government is investing $44.7 billion over 11 years to increase the supply of non-market housing and put Canada on a path to ending chronic homelessness within ten years.
Cellular connectivity: Improving service and lowering costs
The MP also highlighted measures aimed at increasing competition in the telecommunications sector, as third reading of her private member’s bill on cellular connectivity begins today in the House of Commons.
“Connectivity is a matter of public safety, economic development and basic fairness. Budget 2026 recognizes the importance of investing in connectivity and ensuring that services remain affordable.”
Increased support for local media
The budget provides $134 million over four years, starting in 2027–2028, followed by $41 million annually to support independent and diverse local journalism across the country.
“In a region like ours, local media play an essential role. They know our communities, cover our municipalities and keep people informed about what’s happening close to home. Supporting them matters.”
Strengthening our food security
Budget 2026 provides $3.2 billion for the National Food Security Strategy, including measures to strengthen food production, processing and supply chains in Canada.
The Local Food Infrastructure Fund will also be renewed, with $124 million over three years. This funding can support greenhouses, community kitchens, storage and transportation infrastructure, as well as other projects that help produce, process and distribute more food locally.
“We are already seeing what this kind of program can make possible right here in our region. At the Centre d’action bénévole de la MRC de Coaticook, funding through the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has helped develop a gardening project and grow some of the vegetables that are then distributed throughout the community.”
Supporting our businesses and farmers
Budget 2026 continues investments aimed at improving the productivity and competitiveness of Canadian businesses, notably through the Productivity Mega Deduction, which allows businesses to immediately deduct the cost of several types of eligible new investments.
Measures are also planned to facilitate the transfer of agricultural businesses to the next generation. The budget proposes expanding intergenerational business transfer rules so that nieces and nephews can, under certain circumstances, benefit from a tax deferral when eligible farming or fishing property is transferred to them.
The government is also proposing $1 billion for a new Agri-food Project Finance Fund, $150 million to help small and medium-sized businesses modernize their equipment, and $750 million to increase year-round Canadian fruit and vegetable production.
Addressing labour needs
Finally, Budget 2026 proposes reforms to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to better reflect the needs of regional labour markets, while improving processing times and employer compliance.
“In several sectors across our region, particularly manufacturing and agriculture, labour shortages remain a challenge. We need to continue working with businesses and communities to find solutions that reflect the realities of our regions.”
“I will now be closely monitoring the implementation of these measures to ensure they deliver tangible results here in Compton–Stanstead,” concluded Marianne Dandurand.
