Carney's first budget gives corporations a free ride and leaves working Canadians behind

CUPE, Canada’s largest union, says Mark Carney’s first federal budget gives corporations a free ride while leaving working Canadians behind with major austerity and cuts to programs and services.

“While workers struggle with soaring prices and Donald Trump’s trade war, it’s clear from this budget that Mark Carney is fighting for boardrooms and billionaires, not working people,” said CUPE National President Mark Hancock. “Life will get harder for millions of working Canadians so Mark Carney can make life easier for Bay Street and triple our military budget to please Donald Trump.”

Budget 2025 features the deepest cuts in over a decade, with tens of thousands of jobs and funding for vital programs on the chopping block.

The budget will put new pressure on frontline services where CUPE members work – like health care, education, transit, and housing – as federal austerity measures hit provincial and municipal services where waitlists, resource and staffing shortages, and burnout rates are already severe.

Meanwhile, programs like pharmacare and dental care remain underfunded with an uncertain future.

“Public services are the foundation of a strong and fair economy, not a byproduct,” said CUPE National Secretary Treasurer Candace Rennick. “Austerity will not make life more affordable. When governments slash programs and services, people pay more out of pocket and lose access to the supports they need to live with dignity.”

CUPE is pleased to see the budget will introduce a refundable tax credit for personal support workers to recognize their vital and often undervalued contributions. CUPE is also pleased to see the budget will reinvest in programs and supports for women and gender equality and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

However, this budget does not come close to meeting the moment. CUPE is calling on the federal government to go back to the drawing board and deliver a budget that meets the moment with real supports for workers and their families. It’s time to invest in strong public services and Trump-proof our economy for the long-haul.