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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Northern Lights Illuminate the East of England: A Spectacular Display of Aurora Borealis


The East of England recently witnessed a breathtaking natural phenomenon—the Northern Lights, also known as the aurora borealis. Night owls and star gazers were treated to a mesmerizing display of color as the skies lit up with vibrant hues. Here’s what you need to know about this awe-inspiring event:

  1. Geomagnetic Storms and Solar Wind Interaction:

    • The Northern Lights occur due to the interaction between charged particles from the solar wind and Earth’s atmosphere.
    • Recently, one of the strongest geomagnetic storms in years hit our planet, creating ideal conditions for the aurora borealis.
  2. Spectacular Sightings:

    • People across the East of England—from Buckinghamshire to Norfolk—captured stunning images of the lights.
    • Social media flooded with photographs showcasing the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights.
  3. Best Viewing Times:

    • If you’re eager to witness this celestial spectacle, wait until after 22:30 BST for the best views.
    • The magenta and red hues danced across the night sky, leaving spectators in awe.
  4. Where to Look:

    • Residents of Cambridge, Burnham on Crouch (Essex), Long Crendon (Buckinghamshire), and other areas were fortunate to witness this rare event.
    • Police officers in Hertfordshire even took a moment during their night shift to capture photos of the illuminated sky.
  5. Further Sightings:

    • There’s a possibility of additional sightings on Saturday night, so keep your eyes on the horizon.

Whether you’re an astronomy enthusiast or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, the Northern Lights provided a magical experience for all who looked up. Remember to gaze skyward and marvel at the cosmic dance of light! 

Sources:

  1. BBC News: Northern Lights illuminate the East of England
  2. BBC News: Northern lights turn skies magenta over East of England12

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