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  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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...

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Walmart Revamps In-Store Experience: Self-Checkout Machines to be Phased Out

 

In a significant shift in retail operations, Walmart has announced the removal of self-checkout machines from select stores, aiming to enhance the customer shopping experience. This decision comes as part of a broader strategy to provide more personalized service and efficient assistance through human cashiers.

Key Changes:

  • Self-Checkout Removal: Two Walmart stores, one in St. Louis and another in Cleveland, are set to eliminate self-checkout machines within two weeks.
  • Customer Service Focus: The move is intended to improve in-store shopping and offer customers more personalized service.
  • Industry Trend: Walmart follows other retailers like Target and Dollar General in reducing reliance on self-service checkout due to theft concerns and customer feedback.

Impact on Shoppers: Shoppers can expect a more traditional checkout experience with staff assistance, potentially reducing theft and errors associated with self-service machines. The change also reflects Walmart’s commitment to addressing customer needs and enhancing the overall shopping environment.

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