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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Canada’s carbon price has taken center stage once again as it ramps up despite calls from several provincial leaders for a pause. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s minority Liberal government considers the carbon price a cornerstone policy in the fight against climate change. But what does this increase mean for Canadians?
The looming April 1 carbon price hike is not an unexpected surprise. The idea behind it is simple: by putting a price on pollution, people will be incentivized to use fewer fossil fuels, ultimately driving down emissions from our economy. This incremental approach is part of the government’s overall pricing scheme, with planned increases until at least 2030. Provinces and territories can voluntarily adopt the federal pricing system or face the federal backstop plan to ensure consistent carbon pricing across Canada.
The planned increase will be most noticeable at the gas station and on energy bills in provinces and territories where the federal backstop plan applies. While it’s true that the carbon price contributes to energy costs, it remains a smaller factor compared to global oil prices and corporate profitability. So, while you might notice a slight uptick at the pump, it’s essential to recognize that the effects on household affordability are not as dramatic as some might fear.
Canadians will also experience indirect effects, such as transportation costs filtering down into food prices. But remember, this is part of a broader effort to create a more sustainable future for our planet.
In summary, brace yourselves for the carbon price increase, but keep in mind that it’s a step toward a greener, cleaner Canada.
Sources:
Comments
Post a Comment