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Budget 2026 Brings a Second Grocery Top-Up: Who Gets It and How Much

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Budget 2026  |  November 6, 2026 Another grocery cheque is on the way. In Thursday's federal budget, Ottawa proposed a second one-time top-up to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), a payment worth half the benefit's annual value, expected to land in early 2027. $339 budget estimate, qualifying single person $679 budget estimate, couple with two children Early 2027 expected timing, exact date not announced $4.1B cost of the expanded program What Ottawa actually announced Budget 2026, a 511-page document titled "Masters of our Destiny," is mostly about investment and productivity. But tucked into its affordability measures is a repeat of something Canadians have already seen this year. The government proposes a one-time payment equal to half of the CGEB's annual value, and the Canadian Press reports it is expected in early 2027. A similar payment went out in June. That June payment was a one-time top-up equal to 50% of t...

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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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