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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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Ontario Taking Impaired Drivers Off the Road

 


The Ontario government is taking decisive action to combat impaired driving and enhance road safety. New legislation, if passed, will introduce stiffer penalties for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Here are the key measures:

  1. Lifetime Licence Suspensions: Anyone convicted of impaired driving causing death will face a lifetime licence suspension. This tough consequence aims to protect families and communities by ensuring that dangerous drivers cannot return to the roads.

  2. Ignition Interlock Devices: Individuals convicted of impaired driving will be required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicle upon their first offence. These in-car breath screening devices prevent the engine from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s system.

  3. Mandatory Remedial Education and Treatment: First and second-time alcohol and drug-related offenders will undergo mandatory remedial education and treatment. This initiative aims to address the root causes of impaired driving and reduce recidivism.

  4. Increased Immediate Roadside Suspensions: The proposed legislation will raise the duration of immediate roadside licence suspensions for first and second-time alcohol and drug-related offences. These suspensions will now be seven days for the first offence and 14 days for the second offence.

  5. Police Authority and Sobriety Tests: The legislation will clarify police authority to stop vehicles and administer sobriety tests for drivers both on and off the highway. This measure strengthens law enforcement’s ability to detect impaired driving.

  6. Combatting Cannabis-Impaired Driving: Given the increasing instances of cannabis-impaired driving, the government will provide additional tools and training to help police officers detect drug-impaired driving. A province-wide campaign will also highlight the dangers of drug-impaired driving, with a focus on cannabis and young drivers.

Quick Facts:

  • In Ontario, one in three roadway fatalities involves impaired driving.
  • A 2022 roadside survey found that one in five drivers tested positive for drugs, alcohol, or both.
  • The percentage of drivers killed while under the influence of cannabis more than doubled between 2012 and 2020.

By implementing these measures, Ontario aims to create safer roads, protect families, and hold impaired drivers accountable. Let’s work together to ensure everyone can return home safely at the end of the day.

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