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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Court Battle Aims to Reopen Parliament Amid Prorogation Crisis
A novel legal challenge has hit the Federal Court as opponents seek to force MPs back to work before Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s prorogation period ends. Filed by the Calgary-based Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms on February 13, 2025, the suit argues that suspending parliamentary business until late March undermines democracy by preventing legislators from addressing urgent issues—including the looming U.S. tariff threat and stalled legislation like the capital gains tax reform.
Critics claim the prorogation was a politically motivated tactic designed to delay accountability during a turbulent period. They assert that Parliament’s essential role—to debate policy and hold the government to account—is compromised when the House sits on hiatus. With the hearing scheduled for later this week, legal experts say the outcome could set an important precedent on the limits of executive power and parliamentary rights.
As Canada navigates political uncertainty amid a leadership transition, the challenge highlights growing calls for transparency and a more robust system of checks and balances.
Comments
Post a Comment