In a rare show of support from all parties, the federal government’s bill to provide a one-time grocery discount and introduce $2 billion in urgent healthcare funding for provinces and territories passed all stages in the House of Commons on Wednesday.

The MPs approved the passage of the legislation, which was introduced in late March and described as the “Cost of Living Act, No. 3,” and the bill passed all stages of debate, meaning it is closer to becoming law.

Bill C-46 includes two specific measures in the 2023 federal budget.

It amends the Federal-Provincial Fiscal Arrangements Act so that provinces and territories receive cash spending for their healthcare systems, and as part of comprehensive funding deals, this will see an immediate unconditional $2 billion increase nationally in the Canadian Health Transfer (CHT).

The legislation also looks to implement a one-time $2.5 billion “grocery discount” for 11 million low- and modest-income Canadians, which does not have to be spent in grocery stores and will be provided through the Goods and Services Tax credit system.

Once it becomes law, eligible couples with two children will receive a grocery discount payment of up to $467, while eligible seniors will receive up to $225, and eligible singles will receive up to $234.

Now, Bill C-46 is before the Senate, where a similar quick passage is possible in the future.