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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
In a concerning development, global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) surged to a record high last year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that these emissions rose by 410 million tonnes, representing a 1.1% increase, bringing the total to 37.4 billion tonnes.
Several factors contributed to this alarming trend:
- Fossil Fuel Use in Drought-Affected Regions: Countries grappling with droughts faced challenges in hydropower production. As a result, they turned to fossil fuels, exacerbating emissions.
- China’s Economic Reopening: China’s economy rebounded, leading to increased energy demand and subsequent emissions.
- Renewables and Electric Vehicles: While clean technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles helped curb emissions growth, other factors offset these gains.
Scientists emphasize that steep cuts in CO2 emissions are essential to meet global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Without rapid reductions, we risk runaway climate change. The challenge lies in swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing sustainable alternatives.
Regional Trends
- United States: Energy-related emissions fell by 4.1%, primarily driven by reductions in the electricity sector.
- European Union: Emissions dropped by nearly nine per cent due to increased renewable power generation and decreased coal and gas power.
- China: Despite contributing significantly to solar, wind, and electric vehicle additions, China’s emissions rose by 5.2% as it recovered from COVID-19-related lockdowns.
Globally, electric vehicles accounted for one in five new car sales in 2023, reaching 14 million—a remarkable 35% increase compared to 2022.
The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated. Our collective efforts must focus on sustainable energy sources and innovative solutions to combat climate change.
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