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Budget 2026 Brings a Second Grocery Top-Up: Who Gets It and How Much

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Budget 2026  |  November 6, 2026 Another grocery cheque is on the way. In Thursday's federal budget, Ottawa proposed a second one-time top-up to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), a payment worth half the benefit's annual value, expected to land in early 2027. $339 budget estimate, qualifying single person $679 budget estimate, couple with two children Early 2027 expected timing, exact date not announced $4.1B cost of the expanded program What Ottawa actually announced Budget 2026, a 511-page document titled "Masters of our Destiny," is mostly about investment and productivity. But tucked into its affordability measures is a repeat of something Canadians have already seen this year. The government proposes a one-time payment equal to half of the CGEB's annual value, and the Canadian Press reports it is expected in early 2027. A similar payment went out in June. That June payment was a one-time top-up equal to 50% of t...

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Ontario's Electricity Surcharge Sparks U.S. Backlash

Ontario's recent decision to impose a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the United States has ignited tensions across the border. Premier Doug Ford announced the measure as a retaliatory response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. The surcharge, effective immediately, impacts approximately 1.5 million homes and businesses in Michigan, Minnesota, and New York, potentially adding $100 to monthly electricity bills for affected consumers.

Ford defended the move, emphasizing its necessity to protect Ontario's interests amidst escalating trade disputes. He warned that further measures, including a complete halt to electricity exports, could follow if U.S. tariffs persist. While the surcharge is expected to generate significant daily revenue for Ontario, critics argue it could strain cross-border relations and disrupt energy markets.

U.S. governors have expressed concerns over the surcharge's impact on pricing and reliability, with some warning of potential reciprocal actions. As the trade standoff continues, the surcharge underscores the growing economic and political complexities in U.S.-Canada relations.

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