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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
China Retaliates Against U.S. Tariffs with Agricultural Countermeasures
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, China has announced retaliatory tariffs on a range of U.S. agricultural products. This move comes in response to the United States' decision to increase tariffs on Chinese imports. The newly imposed Chinese tariffs, set to take effect on March 10, will target key American exports, including soybeans, pork, beef, and poultry, with additional duties ranging from 10% to 15%.
The agricultural sector, a cornerstone of U.S. exports to China, is expected to feel the brunt of these measures. Soybeans, the largest U.S. agricultural export to China, will face a 10% tariff, potentially disrupting a trade flow valued at nearly $13 billion annually. Other affected products include wheat, corn, cotton, and various dairy and seafood items.
China's actions highlight its strategic approach to diversifying its agricultural imports, with increased reliance on suppliers from South America and other regions. This development underscores the growing economic friction between the world's two largest economies, with both sides showing no signs of backing down.
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