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Inflation drove post-pandemic spike in Canada Child Benefit costs: PBO
The Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer reported a $4.2 billion increase in Canada Child Benefit costs between 2022-23 and 2024-25, amounting to a 16% rise to $29.2 billion in 2024-25.
Inflation, which was 8.1% in 2022, was the main driver of higher Canada Child Benefit costs as the benefit is indexed annually to inflation.
The increase in costs from 2022 to 2025 surpassed the boost in expenses seen during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Rapid immigration growth contributed to higher costs by increasing the number of families eligible for the Canada Child Benefit.