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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
U.S. Embassy in Kyiv Closes Amid Warnings of Significant Russian Air Attack
In a precautionary move, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed its doors following warnings of a potentially significant Russian air attack. The embassy issued a statement advising employees to shelter in place and recommended that U.S. citizens in Kyiv be prepared to take immediate shelter if an air alert is announced.
This closure comes amid heightened tensions after the U.S. authorized the use of longer-range missiles by Ukraine, which were reportedly used in a recent attack on a Russian weapons warehouse. The Kremlin has responded with threats of retaliation, further escalating the conflict that has already seen frequent missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
The embassy’s warning is notable for its specificity, as air attacks have become a near-daily occurrence in Ukraine. However, the recent developments have added a new layer of urgency and caution to the situation.
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