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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
The Holiday Job Market Blues: A Seasonal Slump
The holiday season is upon us, but the job market is not as jolly as it used to be. According to a report by Indeed, Canadian postings for seasonal holiday jobs are down 30% from last year, amid a softening economy and cooling labour market1. The slowdown in holiday job openings is likely related to industry-specific trends like e-commerce and remote work.
This year’s holiday job market is hitting the skids, and it’s not looking good for job seekers. With fewer job openings, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find seasonal work. However, job seekers are still searching for holiday work, which suggests that it may be easier for employers to find seasonal work this year.
In light of these developments, it’s important to stay positive and keep your options open. Consider exploring alternative job opportunities that align with your interests and skills. You never know, you might find something that you enjoy more than seasonal work.
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