Canadians can expect relief at the gas pumps, new grocery support payments and increased investments in skilled trades training under the federal government’s 2026 Spring Economic Update, according to Rechie Valdez, Member of Parliament for Mississauga—Streetsville.

Valdez, who serves as Secretary of State for Small Business and Tourism, discussed the federal government’s priorities during a recent interview with INsauga.com, which focused on affordability, public safety, housing, and economic growth in Mississauga and across Canada.

“The main thing I wanted to share with Canadians, especially those out in Mississauga, is we delivered the spring economic update to show our government’s progress as we build the strongest economy in the G7,” Valdez said.

A large portion of the federal update focuses on affordability as Canadians continue to face high costs for essentials such as groceries, fuel and housing. The MP said the government has temporarily paused the federal fuel excise tax, a move she said will save drivers roughly 10 cents per litre at the pumps.

The government is also preparing to roll out a new groceries and essentials benefit next month that is expected to reach 12 million Canadians. According to Valdez, an average family of four could receive approximately $1,900 annually to help offset the rising cost of everyday purchases.

“This is real, immediate support to help them with groceries and everyday essentials,” she said.

Valdez argued Canada remains in a relatively strong fiscal position compared to other G7 nations, pointing to the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio and a reported $11 billion reduction in the federal deficit. At the same time, she said the government is trying to balance affordability measures with long-term investments aimed at strengthening the workforce and increasing housing supply.

Among the larger commitments in the spring economic update is a plan to support the training of 100,000 skilled trade workers and expand apprenticeship programs across the country. Valdez said those investments are necessary if Canada hopes to meet growing demands for housing and infrastructure construction.

Housing affordability remains a major issue in Mississauga, where rapid development and population growth continue to put pressure on both rental and ownership markets. Valdez said the federal government is investing $7 billion in loans intended to accelerate rental housing construction, along with another $1.7 billion for provinces and territories to help speed up development approvals.

She also pointed to ongoing discussions with Ontario aimed at reducing development charges and provincial taxes connected to new housing projects, measures the government believes could lower costs for first-time homebuyers.

“We know a significant portion of Mississauga residents need rental homes,” Valdez said. “So it’s really positive for residents of Mississauga, it’s going to build more homes faster, and making sure we have the workers to build those homes.”

Public safety was another key topic during the interview, particularly as concerns about crime continue to dominate conversations across Peel Region and other parts of the GTA.

Valdez said roughly one-third of the government’s legislative agenda is tied to safety and justice measures. That includes the federal Strong Borders Act, which proposes hiring 1,000 RCMP officers and another 1,000 Canada Border Services Agency officers to strengthen border enforcement.

The government is also pushing proposed bail reform legislation aimed at preventing violent repeat offenders from returning to the streets, while advancing measures targeting illegal firearms, extortion and gender-based violence.

“We have to make sure that violent repeat offenders are not able to go back onto the street again,” she said.

Valdez, in her role as Minister of Women and Gender Equality, also highlighted proposed legislation that would make femicide a first-degree offence, criminalize coercive control and address the growing use of deepfake technology targeting women and girls.

When asked about public frustration surrounding crime, Valdez acknowledged that many residents feel increasingly concerned about safety, particularly as violent incidents and extortion cases continue making headlines. However, she said the government has already seen progress in some areas, including reductions in auto thefts through partnerships with police services and provincial governments.

She added that several pieces of legislation are still working through committee and require support from opposition parties before they can become law.

The federal government is also continuing to push tourism-related initiatives as part of its broader economic strategy. Valdez said the Canada Strong Pass program has been renewed for another summer, offering free or discounted access to parks, museums, National Historic Sites and VIA Rail travel in an effort to encourage Canadians to vacation domestically and support local businesses.

According to Valdez, Canada’s tourism industry generated roughly $60 billion in economic activity last summer, a figure the government hopes to build on heading into the 2026 travel season.


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