Skip to main content

Featured

The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

article

Starbucks Workers Escalate Strike, Threatening Holiday Operations

 

Starbucks workers across the United States have launched a five-day strike, demanding better pay, staffing, and schedules. The strike, organized by the Starbucks Workers United union, began on December 20th in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. The union warns that the strike could impact hundreds more stores by Christmas Eve.

Union members cite unresolved issues over wages and labor practices as key reasons for the protest. Despite earning an average of $21 an hour, baristas argue that this wage is inadequate given inflation and the high cost of living, especially since many employees don't receive 40-hour workweeks.

Starbucks has held multiple bargaining sessions with the union since April but claims that the union prematurely ended the latest session. The company has offered a 1.5% wage increase in future years, but the union has rejected this offer, demanding a more substantial raise.

As the holiday season approaches, the strike poses a significant challenge for Starbucks, which relies heavily on holiday sales. The union's actions reflect a broader trend of labor unrest in the service industry, with similar strikes occurring at other major companies.

The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the strike has already garnered significant attention and support from the public.



Comments