C-19Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act
An Act to amend the Income Tax Act
Government bill, introduced in the House of Commons on January 28, 2026
- Status
- Became law on February 12, 2026 · S.C. 2026, c. 1
What it does
Raises the maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts for the 2025-2026 year, then raises them again for five years starting in 2026-2027.
What it does
- Increases the maximum annual Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax credit amounts by 50% for the 2025-2026 benefit year.
- Increases the maximum annual GST/HST credit amounts by 25% starting in the 2026-2027 benefit year, for a five-year period.
Who it affects
- GST/HST credit recipients
Topics
Background
The bill amends the Income Tax Act. It was introduced in the House of Commons on 28 January 2026 and given first reading.
Where it is
House of Commons
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Completed.
Report stage
Completed.
Third reading
Completed.
Senate
First reading
Completed.
Second reading
Completed.
Committee
Skipped. Skipped
Third reading
Completed.
Royal assent
Royal assent
Completed.
Introduced by a cabinet minister on behalf of the government. Government bills get set time for debate, so they are the most likely to become law. How a bill becomes law
How the House voted
No recorded votes yet
What MPs said
Each party’s first speech on this bill in the House, from Hansard. Excerpts are the speaker’s opening sentences, unedited.
LiberalFrançois-Philippe Champagne· February 2, 2026
“I would like to believe that it is a priority for everyone here, and I urge all members of the House to work in collaboration with us and help pass the bill in the swiftest manner one can imagine. The Canada groceries and essentials benefit will deliver real help to Canadians who are struggling with the cost of groceries and everyday essentials.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caConservativeJasraj Singh Hallan· February 2, 2026
“We all remember when the finance minister made a grand show in 2023, right before Thanksgiving. He said he was going to pull up his pants, roll up his sleeves, call the five major grocery store CEOs, tell them what was on his mind and make sure that grocery prices came down.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.caBlocJean-Denis Garon· February 2, 2026
“We also asked for something important, and that is where there is a real missed opportunity in this bill. We asked for the cheque to be paid more frequently.”
Read the full speech on openparliament.ca
Read the source
LEGISinfo status: Royal assent received. Bill data from LEGISinfo, votes from openparliament.ca and the House of Commons. Last updated October 13, 2026.