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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Arctic Chill and Lake-Effect Snow Squalls Grip Ontario
Ontario is currently experiencing a dangerous Arctic freeze, with lake-effect snow squalls continuing to impact the region. The Arctic airmass has brought bitterly cold temperatures, causing snow squalls off the still-unfrozen Great Lakes. Snow squall watches and warnings are in effect for several areas, with parts of southern Ontario expected to see over 40 cm of snow accumulation through Wednesday.
Extreme cold warnings have been issued for all of northern Ontario, where wind chills as low as -50°C are forecast. These frigid conditions pose a significant risk of frostbite and hypothermia, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing for the next few days.
Residents are advised to bundle up with extra layers, limit outdoor exposure, and be cautious while traveling due to poor visibility and slippery road conditions. Stay safe and warm during this extreme weather event!
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