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CTF/FCE Overview: Analysis of the 2026 Federal Budget

| Funding and resourcing

On November 5, 2026, the Government of Canada tabled Budget 2026, Masters of Our Destiny, outlining its vision for strengthening Canada’s economic sovereignty, improving affordability, and investing in the country’s future.

While the Canadian Teachers’ Federation (CTF/FCE) welcomes several commitments that will benefit students, educators, and their families, the budget falls short of recognizing public education as a cornerstone of Canada’s economic prosperity and national resilience. Through our advocacy, the CTF/FCE has repeatedly conveyed this message to this government.

Indigenous Education

The CTF/FCE welcomes the government’s commitment of $5.8 billion over five years for First Nations elementary and secondary education on reserve, alongside $6 billion over six years for Jordan’s Principle. These investments represent important commitments towards educational reconciliation.

However, more must be done to support Indigenous students attending public schools off reserve. In building on the direction of the CTF/FCE resolutions and the guidance provided by the CTF/FCE Advisory Committee on Indigenous Education, the CTF/FCE will continue to call for dedicated investments in Indigenous-language revitalization, including the establishment of a $1-billion Indigenous Languages in Education Fund.

Mental Health

Budget 2026 proposes $1.2 billion to extend existing federal-provincial and territorial agreements supporting mental health, addictions, and home and community care.

While this investment is welcome, the CTF/FCE remains concerned with the absence of dedicated funding for school-based mental health services. Students, teachers, and education workers continue to experience significant mental health challenges, and schools require additional psychologists, social workers, and other specialized supports.

The important link between investing in mental health supports and the downstream impacts there would be on educational outcomes, school safety, and educator recruitment and retention must be realized at all levels of government.

Artificial Intelligence and Digital Safety

The CTF/FCE welcomes the government’s commitment to strengthening digital safety, including funding for the Digital Safety and Data Protection Commission.

However, Canada’s ambitions to become a global leader in AI must be accompanied by meaningful investments in critical AI literacy for K–12 students and educators.

The CTF/FCE called for $500 million over five years to support critical AI literacy, made-in-Canada educational technologies, and independent research into AI’s effects on children. These priorities remain insufficiently addressed.

Climate-Resilient School Infrastructure

Despite substantial commitments to infrastructure and climate resilience, Budget 2026 does not establish a dedicated program to modernize Canada’s public schools.

The CTF/FCE continues to call for federal investments that help schools adapt to extreme heat, improve ventilation, and strengthen climate resilience. Safe and comfortable classrooms are essential to quality public education.

Affordability and Supporting Families

The CTF/FCE welcomes measures to improve affordability, including enhancements to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit and continued support for the permanent National School Food Program. The CTF/FCE also acknowledges the continued support provided to rural and remote education workers through the Canada Student Loan Forgiveness Program.

Reducing financial pressures on families helps create conditions in which children can thrive, both inside and outside the classroom.

Looking Ahead

Budget 2026 recognizes that Canada’s future depends on strategic investments in people, infrastructure, and innovation. Yet public education remains largely absent from this vision.

Investing in public education is nation building. If Canada is to strengthen its sovereignty, improve productivity, and secure long-term prosperity, the federal government must recognize that these ambitions begin in our classrooms.

For those interested, below are the CTF/FCE’s Pre-Budget Submissions from April and September 2026.

About the CTF/FCE

Founded in 1920, the CTF/FCE is a national alliance of provincial and territorial teachers’ organizations that represent over 370,000 teachers and education workers across Canada. The CTF/FCE is also an affiliate of Education International, which represents more than 33-million educators.

Media Contact

Nika Quintao, Director of Public Affairs (CTF/FCE)
nquintao@ctf-fce.ca   
Mobile: 613-688-4319