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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
French President Emmanuel Macron encountered a chorus of boos and whistles as he stepped onto the stage at the Paris Agricultural Fair. The disgruntled farmers, their frustrations simmering, squarely pointed fingers at Macron, accusing him of insufficient support for their struggling industry.
For months, farmers across France have raised their voices in protest. Their grievances echo through the rolling fields and bustling markets. They demand better living conditions, streamlined regulations, and robust protection against what they perceive as unfair foreign competition. The stakes are high, and the agricultural sector’s survival hangs in the balance.
As the fair gates swung open, several dozen protesters breached security barriers, their anger palpable. Macron, scheduled to address the crowd, faced a sea of discontent. Riot-clad police formed a human shield, preventing the demonstrators from reaching the president. Whistles pierced the air, and slogans called for his resignation.
In a separate room, Macron met with representatives from France’s main farmers’ unions. He acknowledged their plight, promising “floor prices” for agricultural products to stabilize incomes. An emergency relief plan for struggling farms would kick off imminently. But the farmers pressed him further. “Give oxygen to the farmers,” one implored. Macron defended his administration’s efforts, emphasizing that progress had been made.
The Paris Agricultural Fair, delayed by hours due to the protests, eventually commenced. Macron, surrounded by Normandy cows and wheels of camembert cheese, navigated the exhibition. Whistles persisted, punctuating his interactions with farmers. Meanwhile, across Europe, agricultural communities rallied against bureaucratic hurdles and restrictive environmental rules.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the fairgrounds buzzed with tension. Macron’s promise of change hung in the air, a delicate balance between political resolve and farmer fury.
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