Ottawa has allocated $1 billion in its upcoming federal budget for a Canada-wide school food program in response to the increasing cost of groceries.
The funding will be distributed over a five-year period to provide meals to an additional 400,000 children annually, as announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on April 1 during the Liberal government’s pre-budget tour.
Although education is not a federal responsibility, a national program would enable Ottawa to collaborate with provinces and territories, many of which are already working on this initiative with community organizations, stated Ms. Freeland.
Mr. Trudeau emphasized that the forthcoming budget, to be presented in the House of Commons on April 16, is focused on “fairness for every generation.”
“As a government, we are taking action not just because it’s the right thing to do, but because it will contribute to our economic success,” he added.
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The Liberal government has long pledged to establish such a program, with Mr. Trudeau making it a key focus during the 2021 election campaign.
The NDP has also been urging the Liberal government to fulfill this commitment before the federal budget. The party’s agreement with the Liberals hinged on the government implementing a national pharmacare and dental care program.
The budget is scheduled for release on April 16, with key initiatives being announced in advance.
Recently, the government announced plans to introduce a “renters’ bill of rights” featuring a national standard lease agreement. Additionally, a $15 million fund will be allocated to legal aid organizations to assist tenants facing “renovictions.”
In its fall economic statement, the government projected a deficit of $38.4 billion for 2024–25. The national debt is currently around $1.2 trillion, with annual finance costs increasing due to higher interest rates in recent years.
The Canadian Press contributed to this report.
