Highlights include:
A Tax-Free Saving Account (TFSA) that lets Canadians age 18+ contribute up to $5,000 a year starting in 2009. Contributions are not tax-deductible; income earned is not taxable.
$110 million to the Mental Health Commission of Canada to support homelessness projects. Vancouver, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal and Moncton will share this amount.
$250 million over five years to the automotive sector to develop fuel-efficient vehicles. To help fund this initiative, the government cancelled its rebate program that offered $2,000 to buyers of energy-efficient vehicles.
$500 million in support of capital investments to improve public transit.