Skip to main content

Featured

The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

article

Suspected Houthi Rebel Missile Sets Cargo Ship Ablaze in Gulf of Aden

 

On Thursday, a suspected missile attack by Yemen’s Houthi rebels ignited a ship in the Gulf of Aden, while simultaneously, Israel intercepted what appeared to be another Houthi attack near the port city of Eilat.

In the Gulf of Aden, two missiles were fired, leaving an unnamed ship ablaze. The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident but provided no further details about the vessel. However, ship-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press identified the burning vessel as the Palau-flagged cargo ship Islander. This ship had been en route from Thailand to Egypt and had previously sent out messages indicating “SYRIAN CREW ON BOARD” in an attempt to avoid being targeted by the Houthis.

Meanwhile, sirens blared over Eilat early Thursday morning, followed by videos posted online showing what appeared to be an interception in the sky. The Israeli military later clarified that the interception was carried out by its Arrow missile defense system. Although the origin of the fire remains undisclosed, the Arrow system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles while they are still in space.

These attacks occur amidst escalating tensions between the Houthi rebels and Israel. The Houthis have intensified their assaults in response to Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Eilat, situated on the Red Sea, is a crucial port city for Israel. In October, the Houthis first claimed a missile-and-drone barrage targeting Eilat, but these attacks have caused no damage in the city.

Since November, the rebels have repeatedly targeted ships in the Red Sea and surrounding waters, jeopardizing trade routes between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. These vessels often have tenuous or unclear links to Israel, making them vulnerable to Houthi attacks. Notably, some of these ships have carried cargo bound for Iran, the Houthis’ primary supporter.

While the Houthis have not immediately claimed responsibility for either attack, they typically acknowledge their actions hours after conducting them. As the situation unfolds, the international community closely monitors the volatile region, where geopolitical tensions continue to simmer.


Comments