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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Heat Wave Continues: Record-Breaking Highs and Global Impact
The scorching heat wave gripping much of the United States shows no signs of relenting. As forecasters issue warnings about record-breaking temperatures, millions of Americans find themselves under heat advisories. Here’s what you need to know:
U.S. Heat Wave Highlights
- Affected Regions: The extreme heat has shifted from the Midwest and Ohio Valley into the Mid-Atlantic states. Approximately 100 million people, particularly along the I-95 corridor on the East Coast, are feeling the heat.
- Temperature Projections: While parts of the Northeast may experience cooler temperatures in the 70s and 80s, the mid-Atlantic region is forecasted to reach the mid-90s and possibly even the 100s. New York City’s heat index could reach 103, Philadelphia’s 110, and Washington, D.C.'s 110.
- Southwestern U.S.: Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada are also bracing for temperatures above 100°F. Meteorologists predict “monsoon-like” conditions in the region.
- Health Impact: Emergency room visits related to heat have surged in the hardest-hit U.S. regions. Reliable air conditioning is crucial for coping with this prolonged heat.
Global Heat Trends
- Europe: Serbia recorded temperatures of 104°F, while forest fires raged in Greece and Portugal. The European Union’s climate change monitoring service reports 12 consecutive months of record warmth.
- Southeast Asia: The heat wave triggered school closures and health warnings.
Stay safe, stay hydrated, and seek shelter from the scorching sun. Let’s all work together to beat the heat!
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