The Prime Minister announced Monday that the federal government is introducing the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit – formerly the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit – and are increasing its amount by 25 per cent for five years beginning in July 2026.

The government is also providing a onetime payment, equivalent to a 50 per cent increase this year which Mark Carney says will mean, combined, 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.

Other initiatives include setting aside $500 million from the Strategic Response Fund to help businesses address the costs of supply chain disruptions so it isn’t passed on to Canadians at the checkout line.

The federal government is introducing expensing for greenhouse buildings so greenhouses acquired on or after November 4th last year, and become available for use before 2030, can be written off. The reasoning is to lower the cost of food production.

And to ease pressure on food banks $20 million will be directed to the Local Food Infrastructure Fund which supports food banks and other organizations that deliver food to families in need.

The Prime Minister was also asked if the Liberal government was planning a spring election and his response was, “Of course we’re not.”