Budget 2021 is the Government of Canada’s Plan to address the pandemic and ensure a robust economic recovery that is targeted and inclusive of all Canadians.

Today, Minister of Digital Government, the Honourable Joyce Murray, met with post-secondary students from Memorial University of Newfoundland and was joined by Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains, to discuss youth recovery investments from Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience. 

The COVID-19 recession has disproportionately affected low-wage workers, young people, women, and racialized Canadians. For businesses, it has been a two-speed recession, with some finding ways to prosper and grow, but many businesses—especially small businesses—fighting to survive. Budget 2021 is an historic investment to address the specific wounds of the COVID-19 recession, put people first, create jobs, grow the middle class, set businesses on a track for long-term growth, and ensure that Canada’s future will be healthier, more equitable, greener, and more prosperous.

The Government of Canada’s response to the current crisis represents the largest ever investment in young Canadians – totaling $13.1 billion over six years. This represents one of the largest youth support packages from around the world. Canada’s growth and prosperity well into the future depends on new opportunities for young people today. Budget 2021 builds on Canada’s investments in youth with over $5.7 billion over the next five years to help young Canadians pursue and complete their education, and to create 215,000 new job skills development and work opportunities.

Canada entered the pandemic in a strong fiscal position. This allowed the government to take quick and decisive action, supporting people and businesses, and put it in the position to make historic investments in the recovery.