Spring Economic Statement: April 28, 2026

April 15, 2026: Ottawa, Ontario - Yesterday, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance and National Revenue, announced that he will table the Spring Economic Update 2026 on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. In the Spring Economic Update 2026, the government will provide an update on its plan to build the strongest economy in the G7, and outline additional actions taken to drive prosperity, play to Canada’s strengths, and support Canadians where and when they need it most.

On May 7 they federal government announced that they’d give $3 billion to the provinces and territories in total to help with the costs to increase the wages of frontline workers nationally. The amount covers three-quarters of the total estimated cost of $4 billion. It’s up to the provinces and territories to define what they consider an essential frontline worker. Let’s look at what the provinces implemented so far!

The first ever Virtual CE Summit on May 13 garnered rave reviews. It featured 8 incredible thought leaders who offered cutting-edge guidance on providing clients with sound advice for tough times. Good news: you can still access the incredible online content and take until July 15 to finish your 10 CE Credits. More good news: we’re planning to host another Virtual CE Summit on September 30. 

Your practice is changing, and Knowledge Bureau is here to help with a new series of courses for advisors and their clients who are transacting virtually.  The new Knowledge Gap Program has arrived and it offers you a high-value library of short CE courses and new Financial Storyboards that open new virtual conversations. Most importantly, you don’t even need to be tech-savvy, and either do your clients. Here’s why:

When is the last time you reviewed the personal and family net worth statements of a household unit for whom you provide tax or financial services to?  If it hasn’t been addressed since the end of March, 2020, it’s time to do so now.  Dr. Dean Smith will drill down on losses at the May 13 Virtual CE Summit (be sure to register by May 11). Here is a primer to whet your appetite.

It’s worth repeating: filing tax returns on time can really pay off.  About 225,000 Manitoba residents aged 65 and over will be mailed a one-time $200 refundable tax credit cheque in May to help defray pandemic-related costs. But the catch is that you must have filed a 2018 tax return. If you did, you’ll automatically receive the money. Late filers aren’t completely out of luck. But you guessed it; they’ll get it much later.

Tax professionals typically take the stance that Canadians should file their taxes ASAP, especially to get a tax refund, qualify for refundable tax credits and reduce interest costs on balances due.   But an interesting phenomenon occurred in our last poll, when we asked: “Do you like the federal government’s tax filing and balance due extensions to June 1 and September 1, respectively?”