Canada’s 2025 federal budget is drawing more attention for its political stakes than its spending details.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne tabled a $141.4-billion plan that forecasts a $78.3-billion deficit for 2025–26.
The document promises $130 billion over five years for housing, including modular construction and a GST exemption for first-time buyers, plus $51 billion for local infrastructure and $73 billion for Defence upgrades.
But the real drama comes on November 17, when MPs vote on the budget—a confidence motion that could topple the government. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals hold 169 seats, three short of a majority.
The Conservatives and Bloc Québécois have already signaled opposition, while the NDP, concerned about 40,000 public sector job cuts, could decide the outcome. Support or abstention will determine whether the budget passes—or Canada heads to the polls again, just months after the last election.
