CUPE has submitted key priorities for Budget 2026 that include bold investments in public infrastructure and public services. This will help create good jobs, protect communities and lay the foundation for economic resilience in the face of Trump’s latest round of tariffs. This budget must prioritize people and public services over privatization and tax cuts.
CUPE recommends increased federal funding to provinces and territories for the Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care program. Throughout Canada, far too many families are unable to find licensed care. Low wages and poor working conditions are the driving force for the staff shortages and the resulting wait lists. CUPE has recommended 12 billion dollars in federal funding for child care, with planned increases of 5% per year. The government must ensure provinces and territories use the funds to negotiate fair and competitive wages, pension plans and better benefits for child care workers
The federal government must ensure people can access the medical care they need at no cost by ensuring compliance with the Canada Health Act. In Alberta, recent legislation aims to formally create a two-tier health care system. CUPE is also calling on the government to increase the Canada Health Transfer, provide permanent funding for long-term care and home care and sign pharmacare agreements with all provinces and territories.
CUPE also urges the government to invest in public infrastructure rather than high-risk private and public-private partnerships (P3s) that funnel public money to large corporations. The federal government should prioritize public funding and low-cost financing that deliver projects faster, more predictably, and at a lower cost. Budget 2026 should ensure that all additional infrastructure funding and financing, including through the Canada Strong Fund, supports public infrastructure and public ownership.
Public universities, colleges and polytechnics in Canada have not seen a real dollar increase in federal funding in nearly two decades. More than 14,000 post-secondary workers have been laid off since December 2025. CUPE is calling on the federal government to increase and stabilize funding for public post-secondary education. Budget 2026 should also invest in public colleges and polytechnics to deliver skilled trades training, create dedicated funding for post-secondary infrastructure, and lay the groundwork for a national strategy that protects public education, good jobs and the programs and services students rely on.
This upcoming fall budget is vital to ensure our jobs are protected and our economy stays strong. CUPE will continue to advocate for workers throughout the country, fighting for ways to lower costs and improve working conditions. It is only through a strong working class that our country will make it through this trade war.
To view the complete list of CUPE recommendations for the 2026 Federal Fall Budget, please click here.
