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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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Trump's Pick of Rubio as Top Diplomat Jolts Latin America

 

President-elect Donald Trump's selection of Senator Marco Rubio as the next Secretary of State has sent shockwaves through Latin America, a region long accustomed to U.S. neglect. Rubio, a staunch conservative and vocal critic of communist regimes, is expected to bring a renewed focus on Latin American policy, which has often been sidelined in U.S. foreign affairs.

Rubio's appointment marks a significant shift in U.S. diplomacy. As the first Latino Secretary of State, he is poised to leverage his deep understanding of the region and his personal connections to drive U.S. policy. His reputation as a national security hawk and his support for Trump's hardline immigration policies are likely to influence his approach to issues such as trade, drug trafficking, and migration.

While some Latin American leaders welcome the attention, others are wary of Rubio's polarizing rhetoric and his alignment with Trump's "America First" agenda. Critics argue that his stance could alienate U.S. allies in the region and complicate diplomatic relations.

As Rubio prepares to take on his new role, the world watches closely to see how his leadership will reshape U.S. engagement with Latin America and address the challenges facing the region.

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