Canada Launches New Grocery Benefit to Support Families Amid Rising Food Prices

The Canadian federal government has announced the launch of a new grocery support payment, known as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, aimed at helping households cope with the continued rise in essential goods prices, particularly food.

The benefit is part of a broader national plan to rebrand and expand the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit, with more than 12 million Canadians expected to receive additional financial assistance to offset grocery and basic living costs.

Eligible recipients will receive a one-time payment this year equal to 50% of their annual GST/HST credit amount.

Starting in July 2026, the value of the benefit will increase by 25% for a period of five years, extending support over the medium term.

According to government estimates, a family of four could receive up to approximately CAD 1,890 this year, while a single individual may receive up to about CAD 950.

Authorities clarified that the program goes beyond immediate cash payments. It also includes measures to strengthen food security across Canadian communities by allocating funds to support small and medium-sized businesses, reinforce food supply chains, and boost local production.

The government also announced related initiatives, including funding for a Food Security Fund and the development of a national strategy to address food insecurity influenced by global factors such as supply chain disruptions and fuel prices.

This move comes at a time when Canadians are facing mounting cost-of-living pressures, particularly in major urban centers such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, making government financial support a topic of broad public interest.

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