April 30, 2026

April Update from your Member of Parliament

April Update From Your MP

April 30th, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbours,

I hope this finds you all well.

I want to take time in this month’s newsletter to honour my father, Howard E. Grant, who passed away on March 29th. He was born Howard Hong to a Musqueam matriarch, Agnes Grant, and Hong Tim Hing, a Chinese immigrant. He grew up without a father; his own died when he was 10, and my dad was the greatest father that my five siblings and I could ever have.

He was Dad to many other people because of his large shoulders that we all stand upon. He built bridges between communities and cultures and became a bridge himself, someone who would bring people together. He encouraged me to come here and serve as your Member of Parliament, and to shake the hands of every person in the House of Commons, because we are all working together. That is the Canada he wanted for his children and his grandchildren.

Today I have a little secret to share with you: My full name is Howard Wade Grant. He named me after himself. If I could say something to him today, I would say that the love that I shared with him, the love that we shared, is so much better because I got to share his name.

This link will take you to my statement in the House of Commons regarding my father.

All the best,

Wade

Kerrisdale Little League Parade:

It was great to join families, players, and volunteers at the Kerrisdale Little League Opening Day Parade to kick off the season.

Since 1952, the league has brought young people together through sport, teamwork, and community. A big thank you to the coaches, volunteers, and families who make it all possible.

Wishing all players a fun and successful season ahead.

A Force of Nature: Our Government’s Strategy to Protect Nature and the Environment:

Earlier this month, we celebrated Earth Day, a time to appreciate the beauty of Canada’s natural environments and ecosystems. As one of the most nature-rich countries on earth, our natural beauty is foundational to the Canadian identity. Canada’s natural environment is increasingly under threat. Climate change, pollution, and industrialization are causing global habitat loss, an increase in invasive species, and more destructive wildfires and floods. Tackling this issue is both a moral duty and an economic imperative.

As Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Nature, I’m pleased to share with you our plan “A Force of Nature: Canada’s Strategy to Protect Nature,” which outlines how our government is working with provinces, territories, municipalities, and Indigenous leadership to protect and value nature, to build Canada well, and mobilize capital for conservation. Through this new strategy, we are delivering on our commitment to protect 30% of Canada’s lands and waters by 2030.

“A Force of Nature” also allocates $412.9 million over five years to renew the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI). This funding will enable continued protection and recovery of wild Pacific salmon stocks. It will also strengthen science and monitoring, enable essential habitat restoration, modernize salmon fisheries, and expand collaboration with partners.

To learn more about our strategy, click here.

Fuel Excise Tax Suspension:

Global conflict and ongoing supply disruptions in the Middle East are driving up fuel prices around the world. As of April 20th, 2026, our government has suspended the tax on gasoline and diesel until September 7th, 2026. This is expected to reduce Canadians’ bills at the gas station by 10 cents per litre on regular gasoline and 4 cents on diesel. The government is also temporarily suspending the federal Fuel Excise Tax on aviation fuels.

Renewing Investments for Victims and Survivors of Crime:

The Protecting Victims Act is one of the most consequential reforms of the Criminal Code in a generation to help stop intimate partner violence and femicide, and keep our kids safe from predators. Under this legislation, our government has renewed approximately $50 million annually to support victims and survivors of crime across the country.

This support includes investments in the following areas:

Provinces and territories: $8.8 million per year to provinces and territories to help implement and enhance victim services and the Canadian Victims Bill of Rights.
Human trafficking: $1 million per year for non-governmental organizations to undertake projects that support victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Children and youth: $3.3 million per year for projects that support children and youth victims of abuse under the Child Advocacy Centres Initiative.
Victims and Survivors of Crime Week: More than $1 million is being provided to 149 organizations throughout Canada to support local events, workshops, and activities to raise awareness about the issues victims and survivors face, and the support available to them and their loved ones as part of Victims and Survivors of Crime Week in May.

The first Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit payment is June 5, 2026:

Eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up on June 5, 2026. This top-up will be equal to 50% of the GST/HST credit for the 2025-26 benefit year.

Starting July 3, 2026, the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will offer higher quarterly payments of the GST/HST credit while maintaining its existing eligibility criteria and structure. Quarterly payments will be increased by 25% and maintained at that level for the next five years.

Together, the one-time and quarterly payments will offer ongoing financial support to more than 12 million Canadians.

A family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026, including the top-up.
A single person could receive up to $950 in 2026, including the top-up.

If you (and your spouse if you have one) filed your 2024 tax return and were entitled to the GST/HST credit in January 2026, you should get the one-time top-up payment on June 5th. This payment may still be called the GST/HST credit in your account.

For more information on the benefit and eligibility, please click here.

Launching Canada's First Sovereign Wealth Fund:

This week, the Prime Minister announced the Canada Strong Fund – Canada’s first national sovereign wealth fund. Through an initial federal contribution of $25 billion, the Fund will strategically invest, alongside the private sector, in Canadian projects and companies driving our economic transformation. This includes projects in clean and conventional energy, critical minerals, agriculture, and infrastructure.

The returns will be reinvested to grow the Canada Strong Fund, strengthening its capacity over time. As the Fund grows, it will direct capital toward investments with the highest potential return for Canadians. The fund will also be launched as a retail investment product, meaning everyday Canadians will have the opportunity to invest and receive profits from its proceeds.

Additional details on the Canada Strong Fund are outlined in our government’s S pring Economic Update 2026.

In Case You Missed It:

This month marks the 44th anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. At a time when our values face growing pressure at home and abroad, Canadians can count on our government to protect the Charter and the rights it guarantees.
The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) renewal process opens from April 15th, 2026, to June 1st, 2026. Individuals who are currently covered under the CDCP will need to renew their coverage for the upcoming 2026-2027 benefit year. For more information on the Canadian Dental Care Plan, the renewal process, and important renewal dates, click here.
Our government is reducing the contribution rate of the base Canada Pension Plan from 9.9 percent to 9.5 percent, effective January 1st, 2027, translating into annual savings of about $133 for an employee earning $70,000 a year, with equivalent savings for their employer.

As always, please reach out with any questions or concerns. If anyone you know would like to receive these updates, please direct them to contact my office at [email protected].

Warmly,

Wade Grant, M.P.
Member of Parliament for Vancouver Quadra