Feedback 'will play critical role in informing policy decisions,' says government
The Department of Finance Canada launched pre-budget consultations, inviting HR professionals and other stakeholders to share their thoughts on Budget 2026.
"In the face of continued global uncertainty, Canada is standing strong and moving forward with confidence," said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. "Budget 2026 will be the next step in our government's ambitious plan to build an economy that works for everyone—one that is ready to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. As we shape the next budget, it's important we hear from you about what matters most."
The department said feedback submitted through the portal "will play a critical role in informing policy decisions for Budget 2026 and shaping the government's overall priorities." The submission window closes Sept. 8, 2026.
Canadians are invited to share their input on key priorities, including "boosting investment and competition, strengthening our sovereignty, and addressing the most pressing economic challenges facing Canadians today," according to the Department of Finance Canada.
Budget 2025 — released on Nov. 4, 2025 and Mark Carney's first as Prime Minister — was framed as a response to significant global and economic changes with priorities ranging from workforce renewal and skills development to regulatory changes and public sector transformation. The budget marked a significant shift in the federal government's approach to public sector management, with plans to reduce the size of the federal public service by about 40,000 positions—or 10 per cent—by 2028-29.
Canada's federal public service has contracted by more than 12,000 positions in a single fiscal year.
Ministerial engagement
Beyond the online portal, Champagne will be joined over the summer by Wayne Long, Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, and Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and National Revenue, for in-person meetings across the country.
According to the news release, the engagements are intended to reach "individuals, businesses, industry and labour organizations, community leaders, academics, Indigenous partners, non-profit groups, and other stakeholders." The involvement of both industry and labour organizations gives employer associations and unions a direct channel to raise workforce-related concerns with officials ahead of the budget.
No schedule of specific dates or locations for these in-person consultations was included in the release.
Policy background
The Department of Finance Canada said the government's work over the past year has focused on "helping families manage the cost of living, encouraging investment across the country, and making targeted investments in people and communities." Continuity in these priorities could affect workplace-adjacent measures that HR departments are already tracking.
The release cited geopolitical tensions, shifting trade policies, and market volatility as sources of continued global uncertainty shaping the government's fiscal planning. For HR professionals in trade-exposed sectors such as manufacturing and resource industries, the consultation period offers an opportunity to raise workforce stability concerns before the budget's priorities are finalized.
Those who want to participate in the Budget 2026 consultation can provide their input right here.
