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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Trump Reaffirms Tariff Threats Against Canada at Davos
In a virtual address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his stance on imposing tariffs against Canada. Trump emphasized that the United States does not need Canadian imports of oil, gas, vehicles, or lumber, and criticized Canada's trade policies as unfair.
Trump's comments come just days after his inauguration for a second term, marking his first international speech since returning to the White House. He characterized the trade relationship between the two nations as adversarial and blamed Canada's import policies for the U.S.'s trade deficit.
During his speech, Trump highlighted his administration's protectionist plans, including tariffs, deregulation, and tax cuts, aimed at reducing inflation and boosting the U.S. economy. He also mentioned that the U.S. would demand respect from other nations and would not tolerate trade deficits.
Canadian political leaders have expressed concern over Trump's remarks, with some advocating for diplomacy and others preparing for potential retaliation. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, who recently met with Trump, emphasized the importance of cross-border trade within the oil and gas sectors.
Trump's speech has triggered widespread criticism and debate among political leaders and economists, who warn that tariffs on Canadian energy exports could drive up gasoline prices for Americans and threaten Trump's plans for "energy dominance".
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