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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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 Meals: Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes:
Here's a delicious and healthy recipe for Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes:
Ingredients:
For the salad:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water to remove any bitterness. In a medium saucepan, combine the quinoa and water or vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it cool.2. While the quinoa is cooling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
3. Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large salad bowl.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, and mint (if using) to the quinoa.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. If desired, add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve the quinoa salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together.
3. Once the quinoa has cooled, fluff it with a fork and transfer it to a large salad bowl.
4. Add the cherry tomatoes, diced avocados, chopped red onion, cilantro, and mint (if using) to the quinoa.
5. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
6. If desired, add the crumbled feta cheese on top of the salad.
7. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Serve the quinoa salad immediately, or cover and refrigerate it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld together.
This Quinoa Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It's perfect as a side dish or a light and healthy meal on its own. Enjoy!
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