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C-19

LAW

45th Parliament · Session 1

Bill C-19: An Act to amend the Income Tax Act

Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Act

Introduced

January 28, 2026

Current Stage

RoyalAssentGiven

Last Updated

February 12, 2026

Sponsor

François-Philippe Champagne

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43

Bill C-19

Thu Feb 12 2026

An Act to amend the Income Tax Act

Impact Rating

3/5

Short Summary

Provides a 50% boost to the GST rebate for early 2026 and increases quarterly payments by 25% for the next five years to help with living costs.

Cost of Living
Groceries
GST Rebate
Inflation Support
Tax Benefit

This bill increases the GST/HST Credit to help Canadians cope with the high cost of groceries and essentials. It introduces a two-part financial boost: first, a one-time 'top-up' payment effectively increasing the credit by 50% for the start of 2026. Second, it permanently increases the quarterly GST/HST credit payments by 25% for a five-year period, running from July 2026 through April 2031. These payments are tax-free and based on income reported in tax returns.

Why does this bill exist?

Origin (Public Outcry/Event)

Response to sustained high inflation and the rising cost of groceries pressing on Canadian families.

  • Immediate Support: A one-time top-up payment for January 2026 (retroactive or immediate upon passing) that effectively boosts the credit by 50% for the 2025-26 year.

  • Long-term Support: From July 2026 to April 2031, regular GST/HST credit payments will be increased by 25%.

  • Eligibility: The benefit targets low-to-modest income Canadians. Individuals earning above approximately $55,000 (and families earning above roughly $65,000) see the benefit reduce or disappear.

  • Automatic Payment: No application is required; eligibility is determined automatically when you file your income tax return.

  • Shared Custody: Parents with shared custody arrangements will receive 50% of the benefit amount for their eligible children.

Low-Income Families

(Easier)

Will receive significantly higher quarterly deposit payments starting July 2026, plus a lump sum for early 2026.

Seniors (Fixed Income)

(Easier)

Provides extra tax-free cash to cover rising essential costs like food and heating.

High Income Earners (> $60k single)

(Neutral)

No change. They earn too much to qualify for the GST credit or this top-up.

Provincial Impact

Provincial Impact

None (Purely Federal) Interaction

This is a federal transfer payment managed by the CRA. Provinces do not need to take any action.

Benefits & Pros

Provides immediate, tax-free cash to low-income households struggling with grocery prices.

The 5-year increase offers long-term stability rather than just a one-off payment.

Requires no administrative effort from citizens (automatic if taxes are filed).

Beneficiaries

Low-income individuals
Families with children (higher payouts)
Seniors on fixed incomes
Students with low income

Risks & Cons

Does not lower the actual price of groceries; it only subsidizes the cost for some.

Middle-class and high-income earners do not qualify, despite also facing high food prices.

Increases government spending and the deficit significantly over the next five years.

Affected Groups

Federal Treasury (increased debt)
Taxpayers (indirectly, through debt servicing costs)

Before & After

Currently, a single person with low income receives a standard GST credit quarterly (approx. $125/quarter). Under this bill, they receive a 'top-up' payment for Jan 2026, and starting July 2026, their quarterly payment increases by 25% (to approx. $155/quarter) for five years.

Real World Scenario

Currently: A single parent with one child earning $35,000 receives the standard GST rebate. Under this Bill: They will receive an extra payment for the January 2026 period. Then, starting in July 2026, every time they get a GST rebate notification, the amount will be 25% higher than the standard rate until 2031 to help buy food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Sponsor

François-Philippe Champagne

Member of Parliament

House of Commons

First reading

Completed on January 28, 2026

Second reading

Completed on February 2, 2026

Consideration in committee

Completed on February 4, 2026

Report stage

Completed on February 4, 2026

Third reading

Completed on February 4, 2026

Senate

First reading

Completed on February 5, 2026

Second reading

Completed on February 10, 2026

Third reading

Completed on February 12, 2026

Royal Assent

Royal assent

Completed on February 12, 2026

Abuse Potential

The abuse potential within the bill itself is low because eligibility is strictly tied to mathematical formulas based on CRA tax data (Income Tax Act). There is little room for discretionary corruption by a Minister. However, the theoretical risk lies in future governments using the 'deemed payment' mechanism to issue cash transfers to specific voting blocks without a full budget process, normalizing the use of the tax system for direct wealth redistribution rather than just tax refunds.

Implementation Risk

Low risk. The CRA already has the payment infrastructure (Direct Deposit) and the income data. The main risk is confusion regarding the specific amounts or timing of the one-time top-up versus the ongoing increase.

Broad Economic Impact

Direct Cost/Benefit

Everyday Life

Moderate impact

Admin Burden

Automatic

Timeline

Immediate (Retroactive to Jan 2026) and ongoing through 2031.