July Brings New Federal Benefits, Stricter Oversight Rules
Eligible Canadians will receive increased government payments and new protections for immigration consultants as several federal changes take effect.
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Several federal policy changes take effect this July, including increased benefit payments and new rules governing immigration consultants.
Starting July 3, eligible individuals, couples, and families will receive the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, a quarterly tax-free payment. A single person could receive up to $679, a married couple up to $890, or a family up to $234 per eligible child under 19. The payment replaces the GST/HST credit.
Other benefit payments are also increasing. The Canada Workers Benefit will go out July 10, with single individuals potentially receiving up to $1,665 annually and families up to $2,869. Canada Child Benefit payments increase July 20 to up to $8,157 annually ($679.75 monthly) for children under six, and $6,883 annually ($573.58 monthly) for children aged six to 17. Old Age Security payments rise 1.2 percent on July 29.
Meanwhile, new regulations for immigration and citizenship consultants take effect July 15. The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants will require more transparency on its public register of licensed consultants, improve its complaints and discipline process with higher penalties for violations, and establish a compensation fund for victims of dishonest consultants. Starting April 2027, the College will also require more detailed information on its register to help protect people seeking immigration advice.
