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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Russia's Missile Barrage Forces Power Grid Shutdown in Ukraine

 


In a significant escalation of hostilities, Russia launched a major ballistic and cruise missile attack on regions across Ukraine on Wednesday. The assault targeted critical energy infrastructure, compelling Ukrainian authorities to shut down the power grid in several areas despite the freezing winter weather.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that it aimed at "critically important facilities of gas and energy infrastructure that ensure the functioning of Ukraine’s military industrial complex". The barrage included 43 missiles and 74 drones, with Ukrainian air defenses managing to shoot down 30 missiles and 47 drones.

The attack spanned from the Lviv region in western Ukraine to Kharkiv in the northeast, causing emergency power outages in six regions. Ukrainian Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko condemned the attack, describing it as an ongoing effort by Russia to terrorize Ukrainians and disrupt the nation's energy grid.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western partners to accelerate the delivery of promised air defense weapons, emphasizing the need to protect Ukraine's energy infrastructure during the harsh winter months. The attack has further strained Ukraine's already eroded power generation capacity, with efforts to rebuild ongoing despite the relentless assaults.

The nearly three-year war has seen long-range attacks become a feature of the conflict, with both sides engaged in a war of attrition along a front line stretching about 1,000 kilometers from northeast to southern Ukraine. As the conflict continues, the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the support of international allies remain crucial in the face of ongoing aggression.



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