The world's economic and trade landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, thrusting countries, businesses, and workers into a period of uncertainty. Canada's new government is responding accordingly, with a focus on what we can control: building a stronger economy at home, protecting Canadian jobs and sectors, and making life more affordable.
Today, the Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), highlighted that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has begun issuing a one-time top-up payment under the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, equal to a 50% increase in the annual 2025-26 value of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit.
This measure will deliver $3.1 billion in immediate support to the 12 million Canadians who currently receive the GST Credit, including around 1,656,000 individuals in British Columbia. Starting June 5, anyone who received the GST Credit in January 2026 will automatically get this one-time payment.
In addition, the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will represent a 25% increase over the GST Credit on which it is built. It will provide $8.6 billion in additional support over the 2026-27 to 2030-31 period, including to 500,000 additional individuals and families, with enriched quarterly payments starting in July. Combined with the one-time top-up, this means that a family of four will receive up to $1,890 this year, and about $1,400 a year for the next four years; and a single person will receive up to $950 this year, and about $700 a year for the next four years.
