5 Things to Know Today Your morning briefing on what's moving Canadian wallets and markets — Thursday, June 5, 2026. 1 / Benefits Your Grocery Benefit Cheque Lands Today Today is the day millions of Canadians have been watching their bank accounts for. The federal government is issuing a one-time Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) top-up to more than 12 million eligible Canadians starting June 5, 2026. The payment equals roughly 50% of your annual GST/HST credit entitlement — so if you normally receive that credit, expect to see a notably larger-than-usual deposit. The numbers: a family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026 (including the top-up), while a single person could receive up to $950 . Your bank statement may still label the deposit as "GST/HST Credit" or "GST/HST RC150" — that's normal. The full rebrand to CGEB takes effect July 3, 2026, when the regular quarterly payments resume at a permanent 25% increase for the next five...
Temporary GST Breaks: What's Covered and What's Not
Starting December 14, 2024, and lasting until February 15, 2025, the Canadian government has introduced temporary GST/HST breaks on a variety of essential items. This tax relief aims to provide financial relief to Canadians during the holiday season.
What's Included:
- Food and Beverages: All groceries, restaurant meals, and drinks will be exempt from GST/HST.
- Children's Items: Clothing, footwear, diapers, car seats, toys, and jigsaw puzzles for all ages will also benefit from the tax break.
- Books and Newspapers: Printed books and newspapers are included in the relief.
- Holiday Decorations: Christmas trees and similar decorative items are also covered.
- Video Game Consoles and Games: Physical video game consoles, controllers, and games qualify for the tax break.
What's Not Included:
- Luxury Items: High-end electronics, jewelry, and luxury clothing are not covered by the GST/HST break.
- Alcoholic Beverages: While regular beverages are included, alcoholic drinks are excluded from the tax relief.
- Non-Essential Toys and Games: Items not specifically listed under children's toys or educational games do not qualify.
- Sports Equipment: Items used exclusively for sports or recreational activities are not included.
This temporary tax break is designed to make essential goods more affordable and provide some financial relief during the holiday season. Make sure to take advantage of these savings while they last!
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