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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Latest Bank of Canada rate hike is starting to impact people's finances

 

Rising Borrowing Costs Pose Challenges for Homeowners

As the Latest Bank of Canada Rate Hike Takes Effect, homeowners across the nation are feeling the pinch as borrowing costs rise. The central bank's decision to raise interest rates, aimed at curbing inflation, has started to impact people's finances, particularly those with variable-rate mortgages. With each rate increase, mortgage holders are witnessing an uptick in their monthly payments, putting additional strain on household budgets. As the housing market braces for a potential slowdown, potential homebuyers are facing increased difficulty in qualifying for mortgages due to the higher affordability threshold. Moreover, existing homeowners are grappling with the prospect of rising debt burdens, creating a precarious financial situation for many Canadian families.


Savings Struggles Amidst Soaring Interest Rates

The effects of the Latest Bank of Canada Rate Hike are rippling beyond homeowners, as savers and investors face their own set of challenges. With interest rates on the rise, traditional savings accounts are yielding lower returns, making it harder for individuals to grow their savings. Many Canadians, particularly retirees relying on fixed-income investments, are finding it difficult to maintain their standard of living in the face of inflation and rising living costs. Additionally, the rate hike is impacting consumer spending, as people may become more cautious with their finances in the uncertainty of the changing economic landscape. As the financial strain extends to multiple aspects of people's lives, Canadians are adapting their spending and investment strategies to navigate the evolving financial landscape brought about by the rate increase.

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