SAINT-PATRICE-DE-SHERRINGTON, QC,
July 19,
2024 /CNW/ - Raising kids is expensive. That's why
the Government of Canada created
the Canada Child Benefit to give extra financial support to
hard-working, middle-class families and to give kids the best
possible start in life. Since its introduction in 2016, the Canada
Child Benefit has helped make life more affordable for parents and
lift hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty.
Today, on its eighth anniversary, the Honourable Steven
Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Member
of Parliament for Laurier—Sainte-Marie, alongside Brenda Shanahan, Member of Parliament for
Châteauguay–Lacolle, announced the maximum annual Canada Child
Benefit will increase again to help parents in Quebec and across Canada keep up with the cost of living. That's
more tax-free money back in their pockets every month—to spend on
groceries, rent, summer camps, and whatever their family needs.
For the 2024–2025 benefit year, families can receive up to
$7,787 per child under the age of 6
and $6,570 per child aged 6 through
17. This means moms and dads could receive up to $350 more than last year. This represents an
increase of 4.7 percent from the previous year.
The Canada Child Benefit has been indexed to inflation using
Consumer Price Index data as reported by Statistics Canada—a widely
used measure of inflation. Indexing the Canada Child Benefit occurs
every July, ensuring that the benefit protects families from
inflation and provides certainty and predictability of support that
parents can count on.
In Châteauguay–Lacolle alone, 8,210 families benefited from the
Canada Child Care Benefit last year, averaging $6,584.
The Canada Child Benefit is part of our work to support families
and make life cost less. This includes the Canada-wide early learning and child care
system, which has already reduced fees for regulated child care by
half on average across the country, and the Canadian Dental Care
Plan, which will make trips to the dentist more affordable for up
to nine million uninsured Canadians.
These are just some of the things that we're doing to build a
better and fairer future for every generation. We're also building
more homes, improving health care, and investing in innovation—so
that every Canadian has a fair chance to succeed.
Quotes
"I have heard from so many parents how much the Canada Child
Benefit is making a difference in their families' lives. This
tax-free benefit is increasing again to help parents keep up with
the cost of raising kids and to give their kids the best possible
start in life. We will continue to deliver results that Canadians
can count on."
– The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and
Social Development
"The Canada Child Benefit, rolled out by our Government, has
been a cornerstone of support to Canadian families. It helps ensure
children have the opportunities they deserve. With this latest
increase, we are reinforcing our commitment to help parents meet
the rising costs of living. We believe in a Canada where every child has the best possible
start in life, and we will continue to work toward making life more
affordable for all families."
– The Honorable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and
Climate Change
"In Châteauguay–Lacolle, we've seen firsthand the positive
impact of the Canada Child Benefit on our families. With over 8,000
families benefiting and millions of dollars reaching our community,
this increase will provide even more support to help parents manage
the cost of living. We are dedicated to ensuring that every child
in our riding has the best possible start in life, and this benefit
is a crucial part of that commitment."
– Brenda Shanahan, Member of
Parliament for Châteauguay–Lacolle
Quick facts
- The Canada Child Benefit is a monthly tax-free benefit based on
the prior year's income that provides support for low- to
middle-income families with children to help with the cost of
raising children under 18 years of age. Eligible families received
the first Canada Child Benefit payment in July 2016.
- The amount received under the Canada Child Benefit depends on
several factors, including the number of children in care, their
ages, marital status, and the prior year's net income. For the
July 2024 to June 2025 benefit year, eligible families can now
receive up to $6,570 per child aged 6
through 17, and up to $7,787 per
child under the age of 6.
- The Canada Child Benefit was indexed for the first time in
July 2018. This indexation means that
the maximum benefit amounts and income thresholds at which benefits
begin to be reduced are increased annually to keep pace with the
rising cost of living, giving parents more support each month to
help them provide for their children. This makes life more
affordable for families and puts more money into the pockets of
parents.
- Annual indexation takes effect on July
1 to coincide with the beginning of the program year for
payments, which runs from July 1 to June
30 each year.
- To give every child the best possible start in life, our
government is also:
- Improving access to dental health care for children under the
age of 18 through the Canadian Dental Care Plan—because no one
should have to choose between taking care of their kid's teeth and
putting food on the table.
- Creating the National School Food Program to ensure that more
children have the food they need to focus on what really matters:
learning and growing.
- Supporting after-school learning with an investment of
$67.5 million to help all Canadian
students reach their full potential. After-school learning and
supports play a critical role in helping students succeed in their
academic pursuits, especially for at-risk students.
Associated links
- Canada Child Benefit
- Children's Special Allowances
Environment and Climate Change Canada's X (Twitter) page
Environment and Climate Change Canada's Facebook page
SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada