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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Mass Displacement in Lebanon Amid Escalating Conflict
Lebanon is facing a humanitarian crisis as over one million people have been displaced due to escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah. The conflict has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations, including the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
The Lebanese Health Ministry reports that more than 1,000 people have been killed and at least 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks. The situation has forced approximately one-fifth of the population to flee their homes, seeking safety in less affected areas or neighboring countries.
The displaced population is experiencing severe hardships. Many have found temporary refuge in places like the city of Sidon, where they sleep in parking lots, or in mountain villages like Aramoun, where locals have opened their homes to those in need. The fear and anxiety among the displaced are palpable, as they worry about their safety even in their new locations.
The conflict has also affected Syrian refugees in Lebanon, who now find themselves displaced once again. Raed Ali, a Syrian refugee, expressed his despair, stating, "We don’t know where to go. That is the problem, we don’t know what our fate is".
The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with humanitarian organizations working to provide aid and support to the displaced population. However, the ongoing violence and the potential for further escalation continue to pose significant challenges for relief efforts.
As the conflict shows no signs of abating, the displaced Lebanese population remains in a state of uncertainty and fear, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to return to their homes safely.
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