Hajdu announces grocery benefit in Windsor as food insecurity rises.

Federal minister Patty Hajdu promoted the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which officials say will help more than 12 million Canadians; the government says a one-time top-up equal to a 50% increase in the 2025–26 GST credit value will be issued no later than June.

Federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu visited the Unemployed Help Centre in Windsor to promote the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. Officials say the measure will replace and enhance the previous GST credit and is expected to help more than 12 million Canadians. The government announced a one-time top-up equal to a 50 per cent increase in the 2025–26 GST credit value to be issued no later than June, and plans a 25 per cent increase to the benefit beginning in July for five years. Hajdu described the benefit as part of a layered strategy alongside school food programs and other funding as local food needs rise. Key facts: - The benefit replaces and expands the former GST credit and was announced by the government on Feb. 12. - Officials say a one-time top-up — reported as equal to a 50 per cent increase in the 2025–26 GST credit value — will be issued no later than June, with $3.1 billion noted as immediate assistance. - Beginning in July, the benefit is set to increase by 25 per cent for five years; officials provided example additional amounts for different family types. - Hajdu provided local eligibility estimates, saying nearly 43,000 people in Windsor‑Tecumseh‑Lakeshore, about 59,000 in Windsor West and almost 32,000 in Essex are expected to qualify. Summary: The government presents the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit as both immediate and ongoing financial support aimed at easing grocery costs for low- and modest-income households. Immediate assistance includes a one-time top-up to be issued by June, and a scheduled 25 per cent increase beginning in July for five years, while additional food-security measures and planning for a national strategy were also announced as part of the broader approach.