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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Devastating Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Thailand, Leaving Over 150 Dead
A powerful 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar and Thailand on March 28, 2025, causing widespread destruction and loss of life. The epicenter was located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, and the tremors were felt as far as Bangkok, Thailand's bustling capital.
In Myanmar, at least 144 people lost their lives, and over 730 were injured. The quake caused buildings, bridges, and even a monastery to collapse, leaving rescue teams scrambling to pull survivors from the rubble. The situation is dire, with blood supplies running low and the death toll expected to rise.
In Thailand, the earthquake claimed at least 10 lives in Bangkok, where a high-rise under construction collapsed, leaving many injured and over 100 people missing. The city's residents were evacuated from high-rise buildings as aftershocks, including one measuring 6.4 magnitude, continued to shake the region.
The disaster has prompted international aid efforts, with the United Nations allocating $5 million to support relief operations. However, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, particularly in Myanmar, which is already grappling with a humanitarian crisis due to ongoing civil conflict.
This tragic event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of the region to seismic activity and the urgent need for disaster preparedness and support.
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