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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Ceasefire in Gaza: A Historic Prisoner Swap
In a significant development towards peace, Hamas militants released four female Israeli soldiers held captive since October 7, 2023. The soldiers, Karina Ariev, Daniella Gilboa, Naama Levy, and Liri Albag, were handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza City. This exchange was part of a broader ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, which also saw the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with backing from the United States, aims to end the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated Gaza. The release of the soldiers was met with jubilation in Israel, with crowds gathering in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square to watch the event on large screens.
Israel's release of the Palestinian prisoners, including many serving life sentences for deadly attacks, was a crucial part of the agreement. The ceasefire has so far held, reducing hostilities and allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.
This historic exchange marks a hopeful step towards lasting peace in the region, with both sides working towards further negotiations to secure the release of remaining hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
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