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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Canada's Inflation Rate Declines to 1.8% in December Amid GST Tax Break

 

Canada's annual inflation rate fell to 1.8% in December 2024, according to Statistics Canada. This decrease is largely attributed to the federal government's temporary tax break on various goods and services, including food purchased from restaurants, alcohol, tobacco, and clothing.

The tax break, which was introduced mid-December, significantly contributed to the deceleration in inflation. Without this tax relief, the inflation rate would have risen to 2.3%. Grocery prices also saw a decline, falling to 1.9% from the previous month.

The Bank of Canada is now closely monitoring these developments as it prepares for its next interest rate decision. Analysts are speculating whether this consistent easing of inflation might prompt further rate cuts.

This report highlights the impact of fiscal policies on inflation and underscores the importance of government interventions in managing economic stability.




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