Budget 2026 adds $339 to the grocery benefit for single Canadians and moves the tax deadline to May 15
A one-time 50 per cent top-up to the Groceries and Essentials Benefit costs about $4.1 billion, with payments early next year.
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A single Canadian who qualifies for the Groceries and Essentials Benefit will get about $339 more under the federal budget tabled Thursday by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne. A couple with two children gets about $679. Payments go out early next year, and the one-time top-up costs about $4.1 billion.
The benefit is the rebranded GST credit. The government puts the total annual benefit for a typical family at about $2,570 with the top-up included. A similar payment went out in June.
For individuals, the personal income tax filing and balance-due deadline would move from April 30 to May 15, starting with the 2027 tax year, including for the self-employed, according to Financial Post.
The budget also plans regulations requiring banks to send annual clear statements of fees on chequing and savings accounts. It will consult on legislation to direct credit card payments to the highest-interest portion of a balance first. Quebec already applies that rule.
It sets a goal of ending homelessness within 10 years, with $1.8 billion over four years for transitional housing with mental health, addictions and social supports, and $2 billion over two years for crisis mental health and addictions facilities. The homelessness plan depends on provinces, territories and municipalities.
