{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68f00b3ace402940bcbac06a/6aee52e397f44ee248edd6c1?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"MBP Intelligence Briefing: Budget 2026: The Big Bets, the Missing Details and What Comes Next","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/68f00b3ace402940bcbac06a/1794003106472-b0aad349-9aa5-46b7-9ee7-46937b0efd4d.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>This week on the MBP Intelligence Briefing, Shannon Phillips, Ken Boessenkool and Tyler Meredith unpack the federal government&#39;s 2026 budget and the major policy decisions behind the headlines.</p><p>From business tax incentives and a $50 billion electricity commitment to sweeping changes in the federal public service, the panel examines Prime Minister Mark Carney&#39;s approach to driving investment and economic growth. They also explore some of the budget&#39;s less discussed measures, including homelessness, affordability, support for Canadian artists and the government&#39;s expanding social policy agenda.</p><p><strong>In this episode:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>Business Tax Incentives and the Push for Investment:</strong> The panel examines the new productivity mega deduction, targeted tax incentives and the government&#39;s decision to prioritize investment over broad tax reform. Tyler explains why the budget represents a different approach to industrial policy, while Ken considers how Carney is using the tax system to encourage business investment and future economic growth.</li><li><strong>The $50 Billion Electricity Commitment:</strong> With electricity featured prominently in the budget, the panel questions whether the federal government&#39;s commitments amount to a comprehensive national strategy. From interprovincial transmission and clean electricity regulations to industrial carbon pricing, they explore the opportunities, uncertainties and challenges of doubling Canada&#39;s electricity production.</li><li><strong>Data Centres, Sovereign Computing and Energy Demand:</strong> The government&#39;s commitment to backstop 500 megawatts of electricity for sovereign computing raises questions about energy infrastructure, economic benefits and public acceptance. The panel discusses growing opposition to data centres, the need for clearer federal guidelines and how Canada can expand its computing capacity without repeating challenges emerging in the United States.</li><li><strong>Reshaping the Federal Government:</strong> Tyler takes a closer look at significant changes to the machinery of government, including plans to combine Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank of Canada, changes to the Canada Infrastructure Bank and the development of the Canada Strong Fund. The conversation explores what these reforms could mean for public servants, businesses and the government&#39;s ability to deliver major projects.</li><li><strong>The Social Policies Getting Less Attention:</strong> Beyond the focus on business and investment, the panel examines the budget&#39;s commitments to homelessness, housing, affordability and poverty reduction. From changes to the Canada Workers Benefit and Canada Caregiver Credit to additional support for groceries and essentials, they discuss the potential impact on Canadians. The conversation also turns to new measures supporting Canadian arts and culture and what these priorities reveal about Carney&#39;s broader political agenda.</li></ul><p>The MBP Intelligence Briefing is completely free to listen to and watch, and completely ad-free. Subscribe wherever you listen or watch, and share the show with someone who follows Canadian politics and public policy.</p>","author_name":"MBP Intelligence "}