Helping Families Get Ahead: Making Life More Affordable
The Government of Canada is taking action to make life
more affordable and put money back into the pockets of Canadians through a number of targeted measures
Across the riding of Peterborough, I hear from residents every day about the rising cost of living. Whether it's buying groceries, filling up at the gas station, finding affordable housing, or covering everyday expenses, many families are feeling the pressure on their household budgets.
That is why our government is taking action to help make life more affordable and put more money back into the pockets of Canadians. Through a number of targeted measures, we are working to reduce costs, support families, and help people get ahead.
Our goal is straightforward: to ensure that Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned money and build a stronger future for themselves and their communities.
Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit
The new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit provides additional support to more than 12 million Canadians, including over 41,200 residents in the riding of Peterborough. The benefit will provides support through 25% increase to the former GST Credit and a one-time payment equal to a 50% increase, issued on June 5, 2026.
Eligible Canadians can receive:
Up to $1,890 this year for a family of four, with approximately $1,400 annually for the next four years.
Up to $950 this year for single individuals, with approximately $700 annually for the next four years.
This measure recognizes that families continue to face higher costs for necessities and aims to provide meaningful relief where it is needed most.
Middle-Class Tax Cut
Our government's middle-class tax cut will provide relief to millions of Canadians. For many households, this means more money available for groceries, housing costs, children's activities, and savings.
By lowering the first marginal personal income tax rate from 15 per cent to 14 per cent, nearly 22 million Canadians will benefit from tax relief of up to $420 per person, saving two-income families up to $840 this year.
First-Time Home Buyers’ Rebate
Canada’s new government is eliminated the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for first-time home buyers on new homes up to $1 million and reduced the GST for first-time home buyers on new homes between $1 million and $1.5 million.
This tax cut will save Canadians up to $50,000—allowing more young people and families to enter the housing market and make the goal of home ownership a reality for more Canadians.
This government's affordability measures extend beyond taxes.
Our government continues to expand access to the Canadian Dental Care Plan, helping reduce out-of-pocket health care expenses for eligible Canadians. 27,000 people in the riding of Peterborough are currently accessing more affordable dental care, and care that they may not have had access to prior to this program.
Parents know that child care costs can have a significant impact on family budgets. That's why our government continues to support affordable early learning and child care and the National School Food Program, helping families access quality care while reducing monthly expenses.
We are also helping Canadians lower everyday costs through measures such as reducing banking fees, making tax filing easier so people can access the benefits they are entitled to, and providing direct support through programs like the Canada Disability Benefit.
While there is still work to do, I am encouraged by the steps being taken to support individuals, seniors, students, persons with disabilities, and working families.
As your Member of Parliament, I will continue advocating for measures that help make life more affordable and support the people who call the riding of Peterborough home.
Emma Harrison
Member of Parliament
Riding of Peterborough
