Overview
- Bill C-19 received Royal Assent on Feb. 12 after a rapid House vote and same-day Senate approval, following a unanimous motion to fast-track it.
- The law delivers a one-time GST Credit top-up equal to 50% of the annual amount to be paid as early as this spring, providing $3.1 billion to roughly 12 million recipients.
- Beginning July 2026, the benefit rises by 25% for five years, which the government says totals $8.6 billion and extends support to about 500,000 additional people.
- The government estimates a family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026 and about $1,400 annually for the next four years, while a single person could receive up to $950 this year and roughly $700 annually thereafter.
- Conservatives supported the accelerated process but called the measure a temporary “Band-Aid,” as officials framed it as immediate affordability relief tied to higher food and essentials costs.