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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Media Revelation Spurs Probe: Premier Smith Addresses Health Contract Allegations
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated during a recent press briefing that she first learned of the allegations concerning irregularities in health service contracts through media reports The claims allege that political interference influenced the approval process for private healthcare contracts at Alberta Health Services (AHS), as detailed in a letter from the former AHS CEO .
During the briefing, Premier Smith maintained her confidence in the health minister and denied any involvement in the alleged wrongdoing. She announced that her office has promptly coordinated with the province’s auditor general to secure all relevant documents and ensure a swift, transparent investigation.
Opposition leaders have demanded a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the contracting practices, calling for greater transparency and accountability. As the probe unfolds, Premier Smith remains committed to resolving any issues that may arise and to improving Alberta’s health services.
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