Spring economic update offers more funding to military, efforts to combat hate

Efforts to support Ukraine's military defence, attract private investment to Canadian airports also outlined on Tuesday

Published Apr 28, 2026  •  1 minute read

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is applauded while speaking after presenting the spring economic update in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia

OTTAWA — Here’s a list of new measures or investments outlined in the federal spring economic update, which was tabled Tuesday in the House of Commons.

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Air Canada airplanes stand on the tarmac at Pearson International Airport in Toronto on Aug. 16, 2025. Photo by Peter Power/AFP /Getty Images

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Airports and air travel

As described in budget 2025, measures are on the way to lower costs for air passengers and better position airports to attract private investment — exploring avenues of reform that increase throughput and improve infrastructure.

As well, the update mentions plans to clear air traveller complaint backlogs through third-party dispute resolution, a model that’s proven popular in Europe.

Ukraine

Canada remains committed to assisting Ukraine in resisting the now four-year invasion by Russia with plans to bolster Operation UNIFIER — the Canadian Armed Forces mission tasked with providing operational support.

While the government extended UNIFIER for an additional three years in February, the update expands that mandate by providing $2 billion over three years to the Department of National Defence, the Communications Security Establishment, CSIS and Global Affairs Canada to that end.

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Military and trades

As Canada struggles to re-man and re-arm the military, the update proposes $250 million over five years — alongside $45 million in ongoing funding — to expand skilled trades training through the Armed Forces.

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That program will help all CAF members to complete apprenticeships during their service, as well as offer career pathways to Cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers.

As well, full-funded trades training will be offered as a means to entice enlistment, allowing Canadians to commit to reserve service in exchange for subsidized education.

Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto (BAYT) synagogue on Clark Ave., in Thornhill, was targetted by gunfire late on Friday, March 6, 2026. Photo by Supplied

Combatting hate

Adding to federal programs meant to protect schools, community centres and places of worship from hate, $75 million over five years will be put aside for Public Safety Canada’s Canada Community Security Program — meant to allow organizations to invest in greater physical security measures.

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