Nearly 3.7 million families across Canada, including over 48,000 in Laval, now receive the bigger Canada Child Benefit

Canada Child Benefit increased two years ahead of schedule 

LAVAL, QC, Jan. 15, 2019 /CNW/ - Helping hard-working, middle-class families provide the best start in life for their children is a top priority for the Government of Canada. That is why two years ago the Government launched the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to help families with the high cost of raising children. The CCB?which is targeted to middle-class families and those working hard to join the middle class?is simpler, tax?free and more generous than previous child benefit programs.

The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, on behalf of the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, was in Laval today to highlight that the CCB has been increased two years ahead of schedule to keep up with the cost of living. Indexed cheques are already out, giving over 48,000 families in Laval even more money each month to help them provide for their children.

Increasing the CCB sooner will ensure that it continues to play a vital role in supporting families. This means that for the 2018?19 benefit year, the CCB will now have a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child aged 6 through 17 years. On average, families benefitting from the CCB received $4,600 more over the last two years compared with 2015?16.

Thanks to the CCB, 9 out of 10 Canadian families have more money to help pay for things like healthy food, sports programs and music lessons. Even more importantly, the CCB has helped lift more than half a million people?including nearly 300,000 children?out of poverty in Canada.

Quotes

"Increasing the Canada Child Benefit means more money for families here in Laval and across the country. Our government is committed to ensuring that this tax-free benefit continues to improve the well-being of all Canadians and help those working hard to join the middle class."
? The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and Member of Parliament for Québec

"Our government's strengthening of the Canada Child Benefit will continue to help those who need it most, and we will continue to make it easier for Canadians to access the benefits to which they are entitled."
? The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie?Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

"Thanks to the Canada Child Benefit and its adjustment to the rising cost of living, Canadian families will have more money in their pockets. Parents will be the ones to decide how to invest this money, since they are the ones who know what is best for their children."
? The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

Quick Facts

• Across Canada, CCB payments worth $23.7 billion benefit nearly 3.7 million Canadian families.
• Over 870,000 families in Quebec received nearly $5.5 billion from the CCB in the 2017?18 benefit year.
• The CCB has helped lift more than half a million people?including 300,000 children?out of poverty.
• The CCB will now have a maximum annual benefit of $6,496 per child under age 6 and $5,481 per child aged 6 through 17 years.
• Examples:
• For a single parent earning $35,000 with two children, the accelerated indexation of the CCB will contribute nearly $600 towards the increasing costs of raising their children for the 2019?20 benefit year.
• A single working parent who has two children (one child under 6 and one child aged 6?17) and who earns $30,000 a year receives almost $12,000 in benefits for the 2018?19 benefit year, which is about $3,000 more than they would have received under the previous system of child benefits.
• The CCB has been recognized by the International Monetary Fund, the Bank of Canada and other experts as a key contributor to helping strengthen Canada's middle class.

Associated Links

Canada Child Benefit
Canada Child Benefit Overview
Canada Child Benefit Calculator

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SOURCE Employment and Social Development Canada