PRIME Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday that it has introduced new measures to make groceries and other essentials by introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – formerly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit. The government is increasing its amount by 25% for five years beginning in July.
In addition to that, the government is providing a one-time payment, equivalent to a 50% increase this year.
Combined, 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.
The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit will provide additional, significant support for more than 12 million Canadians.
The government is setting aside $500 million from the Strategic Response Fund to help businesses address the costs of supply chain disruptions without passing those costs on to Canadians at the checkout line.
For the same purpose, the government will create a $150 million Food Security Fund under the existing Regional Tariff Response Initiative for small and medium enterprises and the organisations that support them.
To lower the cost of food production,the government is introducing immediate expensing for greenhouse buildings. This allows producers to fully write off greenhouses acquired on or after November 4, 2025, and that become available for use before 2030. This measure supports increased domestic supply and investment in food production over the medium-term.
To ease immediate pressures with food banks, the government is providing $20 million to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund. This supports food banks and other national, regional, and local organisations to deliver more nutritious food to families in need.
To tackle the root causes of food insecurity, the government is developing a National Food Security Strategy – one that strengthens domestic food production and improves access to affordable, nutritious food.
This strategy will also include measures to implement unit price labelling and support the work of the Competition Bureau in monitoring and enforcing competition in the market, including food supply chains.
Carney said: “One of the best things about Canada is that you don’t have to be born rich to succeed. To protect that fundamental value, we are building a stronger economy that benefits everyone – creating thousands of new career opportunities with better wages. We’re also bringing in new measures to lower costs and make sure Canadians have the support they need now. We’re building Canada strong, because we’re strongest when we look after each other and when we ensure everyone has the chance to get ahead.”
