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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Winter Set to Redeem Itself After Record-Breaking Warmth
After experiencing the warmest winter on record last year, Canada is bracing for a colder season this year, according to The Weather Network's chief meteorologist, Chris Scott. Scott predicts that this winter will attempt to "salvage its reputation" with generally colder temperatures and more impactful weather compared to last year.
The forecast indicates that Western Canada will see near- or above-normal snow totals, while Ontario and Quebec can expect significant winter weather in December. However, Scott warns that the overall winter will still not be a "blockbuster" for any region.
"It's coming east in a hurry, and it will pack a real punch," Scott said, noting that there will be a "mad scramble for winter tires and salt" in Ontario and Quebec.
The Weather Network's seasonal forecast suggests that while January and February may be milder in Quebec and Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan will experience a more typical winter. The forecast also brings good news for drought-weary prairie farmers, who rely on snowmelt to boost soil moisture in the spring.
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