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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Canada Post and Workers at Odds Over Wages, Weekend Delivery
Canada Post and the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) are currently locked in a dispute over wages and weekend delivery. The conflict has led to a nationwide strike involving over 55,000 postal workers, just days before the busy holiday season.
The main points of contention include Canada Post's proposal to hire more part-time workers for weekend parcel delivery, which the union opposes. The union argues that this would undermine job security and lead to lower wages. Additionally, the union is seeking fair wages and improved working conditions, citing the rising cost of living as a significant factor.
Canada Post, on the other hand, has proposed wage increases above inflation over the next four years and aims to introduce a flexible seven-day delivery model to remain competitive. However, the union is pushing for a compounded wage increase of 24% over the same period.
As negotiations continue, the strike has already begun to impact mail and parcel deliveries, causing concern among businesses and consumers alike. The outcome of these talks will be crucial in determining the future of postal services in Canada.
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