Celiac Canada applauds support for Canadians with celiac disease in Budget 2026

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Nov. 5, 2026 /CNW/ — Celiac Canada extends sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada for delivering tax relief for Canadians with celiac disease in this year’s federal budget. 

“Celiac Canada applauds the federal government for supporting Canadians living with celiac disease in Budget 2026. This measure will provide a fairer and even landscape to tax relief that will allow people to focus on their health and not the paperwork that is required to access support,” said Melissa Secord, National Executive Director of Celiac Canada.

Starting with the 2026 taxation year, individuals with celiac disease will be able to claim an optional flat $1,000 under the Medical Expense Tax Credit for incremental gluten-free food expenses, without the need to calculate and document these extra costs. Individuals will still need to submit a medical validation letter, certified in writing by a medical practitioner.

In our 2026 pre-budget submission and other engagements with government, Celiac Canada has advocated for a more straightforward, standardized tax process for individuals diagnosed with celiac disease. The previous process created significant administrative burdens by requiring individuals with celiac disease to retain receipts for every gluten-free food purchase throughout the year and calculate the price difference between each product and its standard alternative. We thank the federal government for listening to the celiac community and taking steps to simplify the claims process.

“Living with celiac disease isn’t a choice, yet people with the condition must pay significantly more for the food they need to stay healthy as well as to prevent any further health complications. As Canadians are facing greater pressure on their grocery budgets, this is an important measure to ensure Canadians living with celiac disease can easily access relief for the food that ultimately serves as their medicine,” said Doris Foster, Board Chair, Celiac Canada.

Celiac Canada is eternally grateful to our community members who shared their experiences with the incremental medical expense benefit and helped bring attention to their local MPs for the need for more accessible financial support.

About Celiac Canada

As background, Celiac Canada is the only national charity championing how to find, treat, and cure Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune condition that affects approximately 400,000 Canadians. For individuals diagnosed with celiac disease, Medical Nutrition Therapy/adherence to a strict, lifelong, gluten-free diet is the only form of treatment to ensure patients can live a healthy, normal life.

Celiac Canada staff are available for interviews upon request.

SOURCE Celiac Canada