“Pandemic related benefits included new programs like the Canada Emergency Response Benefit,” said André Bernard, StatsCan chief of income statistics.
The payments were based on the Census.
“The Census is uniquely positioned to assess the impacts of the pandemic on incomes of Canadians … tell us what happened in 2020,” Bernard said.
Data shows Canadians aged 15 to 19 — a total 25% of girls and 22% of boys — claimed federal relief cheques.
“Many received payments from government income support programs,” said Bernard.
In March 25, 2020, Parliament enacted the Canada Emergency Response Benefit Act to issue $2,000-a month cheques to jobless taxpayers.
The act allowed payments to teenagers as young as 15 but they needed to provide a tax return the previous year.
Blacklocks say records showed federal authorities gave payments without confirming applicants were tax filers.
Payments included $81.3 million in pandemic relief cheques to children aged 15, a total $185.6 million to children aged 16 and $369.2 million to children aged 17.
“If the government had not done that back then what would have been the outcome?” Liberal MP Kevin Lamoureux, parliamentary secretary to the Government House Leader, told the Commons on Jan. 25, 2021.
“We would have had more people borrowing money because of their loss of income. We would have had people not being able to pay for basic needs such as their groceries, their rent, their mortgages.”
Critics said the payments to high school students was misdirected.
“God love the 15-year old who got a $2,000-a month CERB cheque courtesy of taxpayers but I think that money would be better spent on First Nations suffering,” said Conservative MP Kelly McCauley.
If you want to learn more about the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), including who qualifies, how much you could receive, and when payments are issued, visit Tax Service Canada’s Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Guide. This comprehensive resource explains the eligibility requirements, payment amounts for individuals and families, application details for new residents, and important CRA payment dates. With the CGEB replacing the GST/HST Credit in July 2026 and providing increased support to millions of Canadians, staying informed can help ensure you receive every benefit you are entitled to.
If you receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), now is the time to ensure your benefits continue without interruption. GIS eligibility is reviewed annually, and failing to file your income tax return or complete any required renewal steps could result in your payments being reduced or stopped starting in July 2026. Service Canada uses your most recent income information to determine your eligibility and payment amount for the 2026–2027 benefit year. To avoid delays or disruptions to your monthly GIS payments, review the renewal requirements today. Visit the GIS Renewal page for a complete guide and important updates.
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Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit 2026 – Eligibility & Payment Schedule
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