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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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Netanyahu Cancels Israeli Delegation to U.S. After U.N. Ceasefire Vote

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has canceled an Israeli delegation’s planned visit to Washington, D.C., scheduled for this week. The decision came after the United States refrained from vetoing a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

The U.N. Security Council’s resolution marks the first time it has demanded an immediate ceasefire since the war began. Fourteen out of fifteen countries voted in favor of the resolution, which specifically called for a halt to fighting in Gaza during the month of Ramadan. Notably, the resolution did not impose any preconditions, such as the release of hostages.

The United States’ abstention from voting was a significant shift. Just last week, the U.S. submitted a draft resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire without linking it to the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. The change in position reflects a departure from decades of stalwart support for Israel.

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasized the ongoing diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt to secure an immediate and sustainable ceasefire. She stressed the need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, who are in dire need of protection and life-saving humanitarian assistance.

Netanyahu’s decision to cancel the delegation’s trip underscores the tension surrounding the UN vote and highlights the delicate balance between international diplomacy and regional conflict. As the situation continues to evolve, the world watches closely for any signs of progress toward peace in the troubled region.

Last October, President Biden met with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, but recent events have strained the traditionally strong U.S.-Israel relationship.

As the conflict persists, the international community remains hopeful for a resolution that brings an end to the violence and paves the way for lasting peace in the Middle East.

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