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Budget 2026 Brings a Second Grocery Top-Up: Who Gets It and How Much

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Budget 2026  |  November 6, 2026 Another grocery cheque is on the way. In Thursday's federal budget, Ottawa proposed a second one-time top-up to the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB), a payment worth half the benefit's annual value, expected to land in early 2027. $339 budget estimate, qualifying single person $679 budget estimate, couple with two children Early 2027 expected timing, exact date not announced $4.1B cost of the expanded program What Ottawa actually announced Budget 2026, a 511-page document titled "Masters of our Destiny," is mostly about investment and productivity. But tucked into its affordability measures is a repeat of something Canadians have already seen this year. The government proposes a one-time payment equal to half of the CGEB's annual value, and the Canadian Press reports it is expected in early 2027. A similar payment went out in June. That June payment was a one-time top-up equal to 50% of t...

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Rising Border Anxiety: Social Media Ads for Smugglers Flourish

As border anxiety continues to mount, a concerning trend has emerged on social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook: advertisements for smugglers offering illegal crossings from Canada into the United States. These ads, often targeting vulnerable migrants, promise safe passage for a hefty fee, despite the inherent dangers and legal consequences.

Recent investigations have revealed that smugglers are using social media to solicit migrants, particularly from Indian temporary residents in Canada, with promises of "safe" and "easy" crossings. These offers have become increasingly common, with some accounts boasting hundreds of thousands of followers. The U.S. Border Patrol has reported a record number of encounters with migrants at the Canadian border, highlighting the growing issue.

Authorities warn that these illegal crossings are not only prohibited by Canadian and American laws but also pose significant risks to the migrants involved. Tragic incidents, including drownings and hypothermia, have been reported along the northern border. Despite these dangers, the lucrative nature of human smuggling continues to attract organized crime networks.

Efforts to combat this issue are ongoing, but the widespread use of social media by smugglers makes it a challenging battle. As border anxiety grows, it is crucial for authorities and communities to work together to address the root causes of migration and provide safer alternatives for those seeking a better life.




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