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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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TSX Futures Subdued as Commodity Prices Weigh on Investor Optimism


In the premarket trading, futures for Canada’s main stock index remained subdued due to a decline in commodity prices. Despite optimism following the index nearing a record high in the previous session, lower commodity prices have tempered expectations. Let’s dive into the details.

The S&P/TSX composite index on the Toronto Stock Exchange had recently reached its highest level in four weeks. This rally was triggered by the U.S. Federal Reserve’s decision to leave its key interest rate unchanged at its last meeting, coupled with indications that the next move would likely be a rate cut.

However, commodities took a hit. Both precious and base metals saw price declines, partly due to a stronger U.S. dollar, which made commodities relatively more expensive. Oil prices also fell, driven by industry data showing an accumulation of crude and fuel inventories in the U.S. Additionally, cautious supply expectations ahead of an OPEC+ policy meeting contributed to the decline in oil prices.

Investors are closely monitoring employment data for April in Canada and weekly jobless claims in the U.S. for further insights. Meanwhile, Suncor Energy, the second-largest oil producer in Canada, beat first-quarter profit estimates, supported by robust demand for refined products and record oil sands production.

In summary, while optimism persists, the drag from sliding commodity prices is keeping TSX futures in check. Investors are navigating this delicate balance as they await economic data and corporate earnings reports.


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