Thursday, July 9, 2026 Every July, a wave of federal benefit payments resets for the new benefit year — and 2026 brings one of the biggest shifts in years. Between a permanent 25% boost to the old GST/HST credit, a fresh Canada Child Benefit increase, and the largest quarterly OAS bump of the year, millions of Canadian households will see different numbers land in their accounts this month. Here's what actually changed, and what to check in your own CRA account. The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . It's not a new program from scratch — it runs on the same CRA infrastructure and eligibility rules — but the payment amounts are 25% higher, and that increase is locked in for five years. The first CGEB payment went out on July 3, 2026. Under the new structure: A single individual with no children can receive up to roughly $679 per year (about $170 per quart...
Healthy Kids' Meals and Snacks: Wholesome and Easy Recipes
Here are three healthy, affordable, nutritious, and simple for kids' lunches and snacks:
1. Apple Sandwiches: Ingredients:
- Apples, cored and sliced horizontally into rounds
- Nut butter (peanut, almond, or sunflower seed)
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Granola or crushed nuts (optional)
Instructions:
- Take two apple rounds and spread a thin layer of nut butter on one side of each round.
- Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries on one side and optionally add a sprinkle of granola or crushed nuts.
- Press the two rounds together to create an "apple sandwich."
2. Mini Pita Pizzas: Ingredients:
- Whole wheat mini pitas
- Tomato sauce (low-sodium)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sliced vegetables (bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, mushrooms)
- Dried oregano or basil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place mini pitas on a baking sheet.
- Spread a thin layer of tomato sauce on each pita.
- Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add sliced vegetables on top and lightly sprinkle with dried oregano or basil.
- Bake in the oven for about 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
3. Trail Mix Energy Balls: Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 cup nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)
- 1/3 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or dried fruit (raisins, cranberries)
- 1/4 cup ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, combine rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, mini chocolate chips or dried fruit, ground flaxseed, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix until the ingredients are well combined.
- Use your hands to shape the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
- Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for about 30 minutes to set.
These recipes provide a mix of flavors and textures to keep kids interested while ensuring they're getting the nutrients they need. Feel free to adapt these recipes based on dietary preferences and any allergies your child may have.
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