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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Self-checkout systems, a common sight in modern retail, are undergoing a critical evaluation. Initially hailed for their potential to streamline shopping and reduce labor costs, these systems have also brought frustration and challenges. Here’s a brief look at the current state of self-checkout:
Customer Frustration: Some shoppers express discontent with the cumbersome technology and feel that checking out has become a laborious task, meriting a discount for their efforts.
Retailer Reactions: Some stores are imposing item limits at self-checkout stations, while others, like British chain Booths, are removing them due to customer backlash. Theft and loss prevention remain significant concerns.
Labor Implications: The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes a decline in cashier jobs, attributed to self-checkout and online sales. Some workers find the new system brings a different kind of monotony and concern for safety.
Technological Advances: Despite the issues, innovations continue. Kroger uses AI to detect scanning errors, and Amazon’s “just walkout technology” offers a checkout-free experience, hinting at the future of retail.
As the industry navigates these challenges, the fate of self-checkout hangs in the balance, with customer satisfaction and operational efficiency at the forefront of this retail revolution.
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