Quebec Households to See Significant Financial Relief Through Enhanced GST Credit Program
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a comprehensive affordability package on Monday that will put hundreds of additional dollars annually into the pockets of eligible Quebec residents. The centerpiece of this announcement involves a substantial enhancement to what is now being rebranded as the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit.
Substantial Increases to Essential Benefits
The Canadian government will implement a permanent 25 percent increase to the Goods and Services Tax credit beginning in July 2026. Additionally, qualifying individuals will receive a one-time payment this year equivalent to a 50 percent boost to their regular GST credit amount. This dual approach provides both immediate relief and sustained financial support for households struggling with rising costs.
According to detailed projections, an eligible family of four can expect to receive up to $1,890 in 2026 through the enhanced benefit program. For the subsequent four years, this same family would receive approximately $1,400 annually. Single individuals who qualify will see up to $950 in 2026, with about $700 per year following through 2030.
Comprehensive Business Support Initiatives
Beyond direct consumer assistance, the government announced several measures aimed at stabilizing food prices and supporting Canadian businesses. Ottawa will allocate $500 million specifically to help businesses manage supply-chain disruptions without passing increased costs to consumers at checkout counters.
A significant component of this business support includes the creation of a $150-million Food Security Fund designed to assist small and medium enterprises along with the organizations that support them. This fund represents a strategic investment in maintaining food system resilience across the country.
Additional Affordability Measures
The government's affordability package extends beyond direct payments and business support to include several targeted initiatives:
- Lowering food production costs through accelerated capital cost allowance for greenhouses acquired after November 4, 2025, and operational before 2030
- Providing $20 million in additional funding to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund to ease pressures on food banks
- Developing a comprehensive National Food Security Strategy to strengthen domestic production and improve access to nutritious, affordable food
- Implementing unit price labeling requirements and enhancing the Competition Bureau's capacity to monitor and enforce market competition, particularly within food supply chains
Prime Minister Carney made these announcements in Ottawa as Parliament prepares to resume its regular sessions. The timing underscores the government's commitment to addressing cost-of-living concerns as a legislative priority. These measures collectively represent a multi-faceted approach to affordability that combines direct financial assistance to households with strategic investments in food system stability and business support mechanisms.
