COW – Overview of Main Estimates – May 28, 2026
- For 2026–2027, our Main Estimates total is $4.42B, which represents a decrease of 15% (or $757.1M) compared to the 2025–2026 Main Estimates.
- Transfer payments (grants and contributions) represent 54% of Main Estimates, whereas 46% is for operating.
- These Estimates reflect a more disciplined and focused approach to immigration spending.
- These Estimates align resources with lower immigration volumes, the winding down of temporary measures, and the government's broader commitment to restrain day-to-day spending, improve productivity, and focus resources on core priorities.
- Key funding items in these Estimates include :
- $970.7M to support the implementation of the multi-year Immigration Levels Plans;
- $867.3M for the Canada-Quebec Accord;
- $462.1M for the Interim Federal Health Program;
- $267.0M for the Interim Housing Assistance Program;
- $188.1M for biometrics collection costs;
- $176.7M for the Asylum program;
- $112.0M for the Digital Platform Modernization Program; and
- A reduction of $155.0M related to the Comprehensive Expenditure Review.
- These Main Estimates support a system Canadians can trust: controlled, sustainable, fiscally responsible and focused on the people, tools and safeguards needed to keep immigration working for Canada.