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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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Canadian Real Estate Association Forecasts Surge in Home Demand for 2025, Condo Market Remains Flat


The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has released its housing market forecast for 2025, predicting a significant increase in demand for homes across the country. According to CREA, the combination of over two years of pent-up demand and lower borrowing costs is expected to drive a rebound in home sales. The national average home price is projected to rise by 4.7% to $722,221 this year.

However, the forecast for the condo market tells a different story. While demand for single-family homes is expected to surge, the condo market is anticipated to remain relatively flat. This divergence is attributed to changing buyer preferences and the lingering effects of the pandemic on urban living trends.

The forecast also highlights regional variations, with provinces like Alberta and Saskatchewan expected to see higher price gains due to already high sales levels and low inventories. Conversely, Ontario and British Columbia are expected to experience more modest price increases due to their already high housing costs.

Overall, CREA's outlook for 2025 suggests a dynamic and evolving real estate market, with single-family homes leading the charge while condos take a backseat.



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