The Globe and Mail reports in its Tuesday, Feb. 3, edition that members of Parliament agreed Monday to fast-track the government's GST credit legislation through the House of Commons by Wednesday. The Globe's Bill Curry writes that Melissa Lantsman, one of the Conservatives' two deputy leaders, received unanimous consent for her motion to quickly approve the bill. Ms. Lantsman said her party is willing to see the bill move through the Commons at "lightning speed," while expressing concern over the policy's $12-billion price tag. The legislation, Bill C-19, was debated for the first time Monday and approved at second reading. It would enact what the government calls the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, part of a package of measures aimed at easing the affordability crunch facing families. The policy would bring in a five-year enhancement to the quarterly GST/HST credit, which is an income-based benefit paid to about 12 million Canadians. There are no restrictions on how the money is spent. Ms. Lantsman said her party will "acquiesce" to allow the legislation to pass but also criticized the policy for providing minimal support for individuals at a high fiscal cost.