Canada begins issuing one-time grocery benefit top-up to 12 million people amid cost-of-living pressures
Halifax: Canada started issuing one-time top-up payments under its new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, providing immediate financial relief to about 12 million people as households continue to face affordability challenges.
The payment, announced by the Department of Finance on Thursday, is equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit and will be automatically deposited to eligible recipients beginning June 5.
According to a statement, the measure is expected to deliver C$3.1 billion in support nationwide, including to approximately 349,000 residents in Nova Scotia.
The benefit comes as governments worldwide grapple with economic uncertainty driven by trade tensions, supply chain disruptions and slower global growth. Ottawa has framed the payment as part of a broader effort to protect consumers while strengthening the domestic economy.
Secretary of State responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency and Financial Institutions, Wayne Long, said the payments are intended to provide targeted relief to Canadians struggling with higher everyday expenses.
“Today’s payments are delivering meaningful, targeted relief to Canadians facing higher everyday costs,” Long said, adding that the new benefit is designed to provide support both immediately and over the longer term.
The one-time payment is the first phase of the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which permanently replaces and expands the existing GST Credit system.
Beginning in July, recipients will start receiving enhanced quarterly payments under the new program. The government said the benefit will provide an additional C$8.6 billion in support between the 2026-27 and 2030-31 fiscal years and extend eligibility to roughly 500,000 more individuals and families.
According to government estimates, a family of four could receive up to C$1,890 in support this year, followed by about C$1,400 annually over the next four years. Single individuals could receive up to C$950 this year and about C$700 annually thereafter.
The benefit is part of a series of affordability measures introduced by Prime Minister Mark Carney's government as it seeks to cushion Canadians from economic volatility while pursuing broader plans to strengthen domestic industries and reduce dependence on external markets.
Anyone who received the GST Credit in January 2026 qualifies automatically for the one-time payment, with no additional application required, the government said.
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