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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Montreal Anti-NATO Protest Turns Violent, Three Arrested
A demonstration against NATO in Montreal escalated into violence on Thursday, leading to the arrest of three individuals. Protesters, rallying against Canada’s involvement in the military alliance, clashed with police in the downtown area after the initially peaceful march took a confrontational turn.
Authorities reported that some demonstrators threw projectiles and vandalized property, prompting police to deploy tear gas and disperse the crowd. "While most attendees were peaceful, a small group engaged in unlawful acts, forcing us to intervene," said a spokesperson for the Montreal Police.
The protest was organized by a coalition of anti-war groups criticizing NATO's role in global conflicts and demanding that Canada reduce its military spending. Activists have called for the government to redirect funds toward social programs and domestic priorities instead.
The arrested individuals face charges ranging from mischief to assaulting a peace officer. No serious injuries were reported, but tensions remain high as organizers plan to continue their demonstrations in the coming weeks.
Comments
Post a Comment