I think we can all agree the global landscape is changing quickly, and workers and families are feeling the uncertainty that comes with it. That’s why Prime Minister Mark Carney and our new government are focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more resilient economy that makes life more affordable for Canadians. While long-term change takes time, Canadians need real support now.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit

We’re transforming the GST Credit into the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, increasing it by 25% for the next five years, with a one-time additional payment this year equal to a 50% increase to help those who need it most.

Here’s what that looks like:

  • A single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.
  • A family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years.

Here’s what else we’re doing to help:

We’re taking steps to help keep food costs from rising and to support people who are struggling to put food on the table. That includes helping businesses manage supply chain disruptions, so costs aren’t passed on at the checkout, supporting Canadian food producers by making it easier to invest in new greenhouses, and providing additional funding to food banks and community organizations meeting urgent needs.

We are developing a National Food Security Strategy to strengthen domestic food production, improve affordability and access to nutritious food, introduce unit price labelling, and support fair competition in food supply chains.

This announcement builds on other steps we’ve taken to lower costs for Canadians, including lowering income taxes, cancelling the federal consumer carbon tax, removing the GST for first-time homebuyers on new homes up to $1 million, and measures in Budget 2025 like making the school food program permanent, ensuring Canadians automatically receive the federal benefits they’re entitled to, and strengthening competition in essential services like telecom and banking.