Grocery benefit starts, permit waits drop & more
Lower-income households can expect extra funds today as the grocery benefit rollout begins, while foreign workers see faster permit processing. Major new infrastructure deals for Western Canada and severe weather warnings are also in effect.
You may see a deposit in your bank account today as the federal government begins distributing the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. This payment, which replaces the previous GST/HST credit, is sent every three months to help lower-income households manage the cost of food and basic needs.
If you are applying for a work permit from within Canada, your wait time has likely decreased. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that processing times fell by another 15 days this month, reaching the shortest wait period seen so far this year.
Residents in Western Canada will see significant investment in local services and industry following two major announcements. A multi-billion-dollar agreement between the federal government and British Columbia will fund more childcare spaces and workforce training. Additionally, Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith announced a new pipeline will be built from Alberta to the B.C. coast through a public-private partnership.
Stay alert for dangerous weather conditions as intense storms cause severe flooding in Manitoba. Parts of British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec also remain under heat warnings, which can pose health risks to vulnerable residents.
For more on these stories, including the full details of the B.C. prosperity deal, visit the News section. You can also read about Canada's upcoming debut in the Eurovision Song Contest and Victoria's record-breaking fireworks display.