Diane Francis 
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is expected to administer a one-time $500 Canada Housing Benefit payment in February 2026 to support eligible low- and moderate-income renters facing high housing costs. The payment is designed as temporary financial relief, not an ongoing monthly program. Eligible renters who meet income and residency requirements can expect the lump-sum … Read more
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed that the maximum federal Age Amount Tax Credit for the 2026 tax year is $8,396. While this is not a cash payment, it can significantly reduce federal income tax for eligible Canadians aged 65 and older. The Age Amount is a non-refundable tax credit, meaning it lowers the … Read more
Reports of a $2,700 direct deposit from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) have circulated widely among seniors in early 2026. However, there is no confirmed universal one-time $2,700 payment being issued to all retirees. Instead, the $2,700 figure generally reflects the combined monthly total that some eligible seniors may receive through existing federal programs administered … Read more
Rising grocery, housing and utility costs continue to pressure retirees in 2026. While there is no permanent monthly “inflation relief” benefit currently operating under that name, federal affordability support for seniors is typically delivered through existing programs administered by the Canada Revenue Agency and Service Canada. For Canadians aged 65 and older, any inflation-related support … Read more
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has confirmed the continuation of the Canada Grocery Rebate framework, with eligible low- and modest-income households expected to receive a payment once the February 2026 deposit date is officially announced. The rebate is designed to offset rising food costs and is issued automatically based on income information from a household’s most … Read more
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced major updates to Canada’s Open Work Permit (OWP) program in 2025, expanding eligibility, streamlining documentation requirements, and introducing multi-year validity options for certain applicants. The reforms aim to improve processing efficiency, reduce administrative burdens for employers, and provide greater stability for temporary foreign workers and their families. … Read more
The federal government has confirmed that new consumer rebates of up to $5,000 will be available beginning February 16, 2026, for eligible electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles purchased or leased in Canada. The incentives will be administered at the dealership level as point-of-sale rebates, reducing the upfront purchase price without requiring a separate reimbursement application. … Read more
Ottawa Employment and Social Development Canada projects that more than 2 million new and replacement job openings will be created across Canada over the next decade, largely due to retirements and an ageing workforce. Federal labour market outlook data indicates that over 25% of current workers are expected to retire during this period. The majority … Read more
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has scheduled multiple federal and provincial-administered benefit payments for February 2026, and eligible households could receive combined deposits totalling $3,500 or more, depending on income, family size and province of residence. Several major programs — including the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), GST/HST Credit, and advance payments of the Canada Workers … Read more
Service Canada has confirmed that certain supplementary federal benefit payments will be reduced beginning February 14, 2026, with some recipients seeing decreases of up to $780 per month, depending on income category and program structure. The reductions apply to what are broadly described as “extra” or supplementary supports layered on top of core federal benefits. … Read more