Chapter 3 · 3.4 Growing our skilled workforce to build Canada Strong
Building a more responsive and resilient immigration system
$287M net impact on the budgetary balance over five years, 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The cost line
| Line | 2026-27 | 2027-28 | 2028-29 | 2029-30 | 2030-31 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building a more responsive and resilient immigration system | 13 | 228 | 98 | 72 | 100 | 511 |
| Less: Projected revenues | — | −117 | −32 | −38 | −38 | −224 |
| Net fiscal impact | 13 | 111 | 66 | 34 | 62 | 287 |
… no change to existing funding or no fiscal implication · – a further extension will be considered later · 0* less than $0.5 million. Positive numbers cost the budget (spending or forgone revenue); negative numbers improve it.
What the budget says
“To that end, Budget 2026 proposes to: Implement the 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan.”
Budget 2026, p. 216 (PDF p. 230)
“Budget 2026 proposes to provide Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada with $56.9 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, with $205.4 million in future years to implement the Plan.”
Budget 2026, p. 216 (PDF p. 230)
“Budget 2026 proposes $302.3 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, with $90.6 million in future years, to support implementation.”
Budget 2026, p. 216 (PDF p. 230)
“Budget 2026 proposes to provide $151.5 million over five years, starting in 2026-27, to Employment and Social Development Canada to implement these reforms.”
Budget 2026, p. 216 (PDF p. 230)
Amounts named in the text
Stated amounts can cover different periods, cash or accrual bases, previously announced money and loans. They are not additive with the cost line above.
- $56.9 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, with $205.4 million in future years
- $302.3 million over four years, starting in 2027-28, with $90.6 million in future years
- $151.5 million over five years, starting in 2026-27
Also in this section
- Launching Team Canada Strong$5MProgram spendingTradesTraining & skills
- Helping workers build skills for the jobs of tomorrow$260MProgram spendingTraining & skillsIndigenous communities
- Helping workers affected by tariffs gain new skills$170MProgram spendingBusinessesTradesTraining & skills
- Attracting the talent Canada needsno cost lineNo cost lineBusinesses