Canadians in need will soon receive temporary financial support thanks to legislation adopted in the Senate on Tuesday.

Bill C-30 enables a special top-up payment to double the Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit for six months. It will automatically be paid to current GST Credit recipients through the existing system as a one-time, lump-sum payment before the end of the year.

“Bill C-30 is part of the government’s attempt to make life more affordable for low- and moderate-income Canadians who are grappling with inflation. We all know that inflation is a big problem, both in Canada and around the world,” said Senator Tony Loffreda, who sponsored the legislation.

“If getting this bill adopted today means that families across this country may enjoy a better meal at Christmas, or some child might receive a new winter snowsuit, or parents can turn up the heat a little higher during our cold winter months, I’m certainly willing to vote in favour.”

• Read the sponsor’s full second reading speech here.

“I also appreciate that this measure is temporary: It’s for six months only. The government can re-evaluate the situation later next year. I’m comfortable supporting this time-stamped transfer that is seriously needed right now,” he said.