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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
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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