FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 9, 2026 – Toronto, Canada – The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) welcomes proposed improvements to caregiver support and low-income workers’ benefits in Federal Budget 2026, while calling on the federal government to ensure its economic agenda reaches the over 1 million solo self-employed women and gender-diverse individuals across Canada.
The budget proposes to make the Canada Caregiver Credit refundable, allowing eligible caregivers with little or no income tax liability to benefit. It also proposes changes to tax instalments for self-employed people and consultation on a new Canada Creative Credit. These measures could help members whose livelihoods combine business income, creative work and unpaid caregiving.
“Making the caregiver credit refundable is an important recognition that people do not stop providing care when their incomes are low,” said Nancy Wilson, Founder and CEO of CanWCC. “We need that same recognition across economic policy. A woman who earns her living caring for others, creating art or providing professional services is contributing to Canada’s economy. She should not have to hire employees or build a company to sell before that contribution counts.”
CanWCC is concerned that the proposed Canada Growth Incentive’s capital-gains exemption excludes consulting, many professional practices and businesses in the arts, among other sectors. The exemption also does not provide relief for a sole proprietor’s ordinary earnings. While investment incentives can support eligible businesses, they do not replace accessible support for women building sustainable livelihoods through their own work.
The proposed Build Canada Workers Benefit would expand support for people with very low earnings, including eligible self-employed workers. However, the budget would cut advance payments in half in 2027 and eliminate them in 2028, leaving recipients to receive their entitlement after filing their annual return. For people with irregular income, the timing of support matters alongside its amount.
“A larger annual benefit can still leave someone struggling to pay this month’s bills,” Wilson said. “The government should protect timely access to support and design programs around how people actually earn their living.”
A budget response grounded in everyday livelihoods
CanWCC also welcomes the proposed GST/HST exemption for qualifying massage therapy services and the commitment to explore tax recognition for creative income. The organization urges the government to use the Creative Credit consultation to address the needs of artists with low or fluctuating earnings, who may receive limited help from a non-refundable credit.
The budget’s child care commitments and proposed extension of mental health and home and community care funding recognize services that help people participate in the economy. CanWCC calls for sustained attention to access, unpaid caregiving and the economic security of the people delivering care, including those who are self-employed.
“A successful economic strategy should help people build a reliable livelihood, including when they choose to remain a business of one,” Wilson said. “CanWCC wants to work with the government to make that a measurable part of Canada’s economic agenda.”
About the Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce
The Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce (CanWCC) is a nationally incorporated, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocacy, advancement, and connection for and on behalf of its members. CanWCC’s membership consists of women and gender-diverse self-employed workers, business owners, and organizations that are at least 50% woman(en)-owned and led.
Media Contact:
Communications Team – media@canwcc.ca
Canadian Women’s Chamber of Commerce