#cgeb

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) will replace the GST/HST credit beginning in July 2026. While the program will operate under a new name, eligibility rules, payment calculations and the overall structure will remain the same. The federal government says quarterly payment amounts will increase by 25 per cent for five years (2026 to 2031), providing additional support to Canadians with low and modest incomes. Before the new benefit begins, eligible Canadians will receive a one-time GST/HST credit top-up payment, starting June 5, 2026. The payment is intended to provide immediate financial support during the transition period.

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TORONTO – For Sylvie Gagné, peppers, tomatoes, and lettuce growing in her backyard offer some relief from the pressure of grocery bills that have climbed sharply since 2019. “It’s nice to have fresh stuff and just going into the back yard to get it,” she said. “It also teaches the kids and the rest of the family how much work goes into growing food.” Grocery prices have soared by roughly 30 per cent since 2019, according to a report from TD Bank. To address those soaring costs, Ottawa unveiled the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit earlier this year, a revamped version of the GST/HST credit that includes a one-time top-up, which began going out Friday.

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