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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Ramadan Begins: A Month of Reflection and Devotion
The Islamic holy month of Ramadan has officially begun, marked by the sighting of the crescent moon. This significant event in the Islamic calendar is observed by Muslims worldwide, who engage in a month-long period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is believed to be the time when the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During this month, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sinful behavior. The fast is broken each evening with a meal called Iftar, which is often shared with family and friends
The start of Ramadan can vary depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, leading to different start dates in various countries. For instance, in Saudi Arabia, Ramadan began on March 1, while in other regions, it may start a day earlier or later.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to strengthen their faith, practice self-discipline, and engage in acts of charity. It is also a period for increased prayer and recitation of the Quran. Many mosques offer special nightly prayers called Taraweeh, which are longer than the regular daily prayers.
As Muslims around the world embark on this sacred journey, the spirit of Ramadan fosters a sense of community, compassion, and spiritual growth. The month-long observance culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festive occasion marking the end of fasting and the beginning of a new month in the Islamic calendar.
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