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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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WestJet Mechanics Strike: Over 150 Flights Cancelled Ahead of Long Weekend

In an unexpected turn of events, WestJet mechanics have gone on strike, leading to the cancellation of at least 150 flights starting this Saturday. The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) initiated the strike due to the airline’s “unwillingness to negotiate with the union,” making the strike inevitable. This move followed a federal government order for binding arbitration after two weeks of turbulent discussions with the union.

Calgary-based WestJet expressed extreme outrage at the mechanics’ actions and vowed to hold AMFA accountable for the stress and costs incurred. Last year, WestJet narrowly averted a strike during the May long weekend, but this time, over 20,000 travelers will be impacted by the cancellations.

As the Canada Day long weekend approaches, passengers are left wondering about their travel plans, while the airline grapples with the unexpected labor disruption.

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