Each quarter, millions of Canadians receive a GST rebate — which the Carney government has renamed the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit — to offset how much they pay in federal sales taxes. In 2022, for example, the Trudeau government sought to alleviate the effects of inflation by doubling the GST payment for six months. These are not individuals in genuine need, even if their income level makes them eligible for the GST payment. The Carney government’s proposed increase to the GST payment will cost approximately $3 billion this year and around $1 billion annually in subsequent years, yet it does nothing to correct this targeting problem. The Carney government’s affordability package still requires approval from Parliament.

Source: National Post February 03, 2026 17:30 UTC