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1 in 4 Canadians Can Only Afford the Minimum Payment on Their Credit Card

  Published August 24, 2026 · Canadian Money Brief A new survey from Equifax Canada puts a hard number on something a lot of us have felt creeping up all year: credit cards are doing more of the heavy lifting in Canadian budgets, and fewer people are paying them off. Of more than 1,500 Canadians surveyed, a quarter said they expect to make only the minimum monthly payment on their credit card, and another 7% think they'll fall behind entirely. That leaves just over half — 56% — who expect to pay their balance in full each month. The survey also found that 40% of respondents are spending more overall than they were a year ago, more than double the 18% who say they're spending less. Nearly 3 in 10 said they're leaning more heavily on credit cards to cover essentials like groceries and utilities, and close to a quarter are dipping into savings to keep up with everyday costs. More than a third have cut back on contributions to savings, investments, or education funds to make ro...

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Trudeau Set to Announce Temporary GST Break on Essential Items

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce a temporary GST break on essential items, responding to affordability pressures faced by Canadians. This announcement, anticipated on Thursday, comes after demands from the New Democratic Party (NDP) for more substantial and permanent tax relief measures.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh has stated that while the temporary GST break is a step in the right direction, it falls short of the permanent relief his party has been advocating for. The GST break is part of a broader multi-billion-dollar package aimed at providing immediate financial relief to families struggling with rising costs.

The temporary suspension of the GST will apply to a range of essential items, including certain grocery products, children’s clothing, and other necessities. This measure is expected to take effect before the holiday season, offering some respite to Canadians during a time of increased financial strain.

The announcement is seen as a strategic move by the Liberal government to address growing public dissatisfaction and to break the legislative gridlock that has recently paralyzed the House of Commons. The NDP has indicated their support for the measure, which could help expedite its passage through Parliament.


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