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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Federal Immigration Department Announces Major Job Cuts
Two federal public service unions have revealed that the Immigration Department is set to cut over 3,300 jobs over the next three years. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union issued a joint statement expressing concern over the lack of information regarding who will be affected by the cuts.
The unions emphasized that the department's staff are essential for processing citizenship and permanent residency applications, issuing passports, and conducting interviews. They urged the government to reduce outside contracting instead of downsizing staff.
The job cuts are part of the government's broader effort to refocus federal spending, which has been ongoing since 2023. The unions are calling for transparency and a reconsideration of the cuts, highlighting the potential impact on the department's ability to fulfill its duties.
Affected employees are expected to be notified in mid-February, with letters being sent out to those impacted. The unions continue to advocate for their members and push for alternative solutions to achieve budgetary goals.
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