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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Third Time's the Charm? Canadian Government Faces Another Tory Non-Confidence Vote
In Ottawa today, the Liberal government is bracing for its third Conservative non-confidence vote. Despite the tension, the government is expected to survive, thanks to the support of the New Democratic Party (NDP).
The motion, which quotes NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh's criticisms of the Liberals, calls for the House to agree with Singh and vote to bring down the government. However, Singh has already stated he will not support the Conservatives, making the motion's failure likely.
In addition to the non-confidence vote, the House will also vote on an NDP motion to expand the GST break and the $250 "working Canadians rebate" to fully retired seniors and people relying on disability benefits. These votes come as the House faces a deadline to approve billions of dollars in government spending, including $21.6 billion for housing, dental care, and the national school food program.
The House has been gridlocked since late September due to a Conservative filibuster over a privilege motion related to the Liberals' refusal to provide unredacted documents about a now-defunct green technology fund. This gridlock was temporarily paused by House Speaker Greg Fergus to allow for the spending debate and opposition motions.
As the political drama unfolds, Canadians are watching closely to see if the government can navigate these turbulent waters and continue to function effectively.
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