Poilievre Unveils ‘Canada First’ Economic Plan Amid Affordability Crisis

By Elke Porter | WBN News Canada | January 11, 2026
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As Canadians grapple with rising housing costs, soaring grocery bills, and stagnant wage growth, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is positioning his party as a sharp alternative to Liberal economic management, arguing that the country’s affordability crisis is the result of what he calls a “broken” system.

Unveiled in early 2026, Poilievre’s Canada First Economic Action Plan promises sweeping federal intervention aimed at boosting housing supply, cutting taxes tied to food prices, and accelerating economic growth through deregulation—marking a clear departure from the Liberals’ targeted benefit programs and climate-driven policies under Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Poilievre has characterized the past decade of Liberal governance as a “lost decade,” citing stalled infrastructure projects, expanding bureaucracy, and policies he argues have increased everyday costs for families. His plan reframes Ottawa’s role away from administering programs toward enforcing outcomes, with federal funding tied directly to measurable results such as homes built, investments retained in Canada, and regulatory barriers removed. The approach prioritizes private-sector expansion over government-led economic initiatives.

Housing is central to the Conservative proposal. Poilievre has pledged to oversee the construction of 2.3 million new homes over five years, a level he says is necessary to restore affordability and revive homeownership for younger and middle-income Canadians. The plan would link federal infrastructure transfers to housing performance, rewarding municipalities that increase housing starts by at least 15 per cent annually, while reducing funding to those that fall short.

Municipalities blocking high-density development near transit hubs would face so-called “NIMBY penalties,” while incentives would be offered to streamline permitting and reduce red tape. The plan also proposes eliminating the federal GST on new affordable rental units, cutting additional construction-related taxes, and selling approximately 15 per cent of federally owned land and buildings for housing development, particularly in major urban centres. This strategy contrasts with the Liberals’ collaborative housing accords, instead using federal leverage to compel faster approvals and denser development.

On food affordability, Poilievre has focused on what he describes as Ottawa-driven cost pressures embedded in the supply chain. The Conservative plan would eliminate four “hidden grocery taxes,” including the carbon price on farm fuels and fertilizers and the industrial carbon tax applied to food processors. Poilievre argues that removing these costs would lower food prices directly, rather than relying on rebates or targeted benefits such as the Liberals’ Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.

The broader economic agenda emphasizes export growth, domestic investment, and energy development. Conservatives project the plan could generate up to $500 billion in additional economic activity over five years. Key measures include the proposed “Bring It Home Tax Cut,” a 15 per cent reduction in personal income taxes that the party estimates would save individuals roughly $900 per year, or $1,800 for dual-income households.

The platform also calls for repealing federal environmental assessment and tanker legislation—specifically Bills C-69 and C-48—to accelerate major energy projects. A proposed National Energy Corridor would pre-approve routes for pipelines, transmission lines, and transportation infrastructure. In addition, the “Canada First Reinvestment Tax Cut” would reduce capital gains taxes on profits reinvested in Canada, targeting sectors such as housing, manufacturing, and technology.

To finance the plan and control deficits, Poilievre has committed to reducing federal red tape by 25 per cent, introducing a “two-for-one” regulation rule that removes two regulations for every new one introduced, and implementing a “dollar-for-dollar” spending law requiring savings to offset new expenditures. The Conservatives also propose defunding CBC/Radio-Canada, reducing certain foreign aid programs, and relying on increased resource revenues to bolster federal income.

If implemented, Poilievre’s economic blueprint would represent a significant shift in federal priorities, emphasizing deregulation, tax relief, and performance-based funding over the Liberals’ climate-integrated policies and negotiated social supports.

While supporters argue the plan could ease cost-of-living pressures and stimulate wage growth, critics are expected to raise concerns about environmental impacts, federal overreach into municipal planning, and the long-term implications of reduced public spending. As affordability remains a defining issue for voters, the contrasting economic visions are likely to play a central role in shaping Canada’s political debate in the months ahead.

Elke Porter at:
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