Canadian Government has decided to provide a one-time top-up to Canada Housing Benefit to deliver $500 to 1.8 million Canadian renters who are struggling with the cost of housing.
Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau made the announcement on Wednesday, added that this is govt’s first pieces of legislation introduced in the upcoming Parliamentary sitting would make life more affordable for Canadians who need it most.
As Canadians are feeling the rising cost of living, particularly through higher food prices and rent, while inflation is global challenge, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine.
Trudeau said, “we are helping families weather its impacts by working to put more money back in the pockets of the middle class and those working hard to join it this year.
“This more than doubles our Budget 2022 commitment, reaching twice as many Canadians as initially promised. This new one-time federal benefit will be in addition to the Canada Housing Benefit currently co-funded and delivered by provinces and territories.
“The federal benefit will be available to applicants with an adjusted net income below $35,000 for families, or below $20,000 for individuals, who pay at least 30 per cent of their income on rent”.
He said these are bills which will been introduced at next Parliament sitting includes: Double the Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC) for six months, delivering support to roughly 11 million individuals and families who receive the tax credit, including about half of Canadian families with children, and more than half of Canadian seniors.
Single Canadians without children would receive up to an extra $234 and couples with two children would receive up to an extra $467 in their pockets this year. Seniors would receive an extra $225 on average.
Also, provision of Canada Dental Benefit to children under 12 who do not have access to dental insurance, starting this year. Direct payments totalling up to $1,300 per child over the next two years (up to $650 per year) would be provided for dental care services.
This is the first stage of the government’s plan to deliver dental coverage for families with income under $90,000, and will allow children under 12 to get the dental care they need while we develop a comprehensive national dental care program.
The Prime Minister said, “From helping families pay rent to making sure people can afford the dental care they need and putting hundreds of dollars back in the pockets of Canadians.
“This suite of new measures will support families who need it most, when they need it the most. As we head into new Parliamentary sitting, we are working hard to continue delivering results for the middle class and those working hard to join it”, he said.