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Canada's New Grocery Benefit Starts July 3 — How Much Will You Get?

  If you've been receiving the GST/HST credit, something is changing on July 3, 2026 — and it's actually good news. The federal government is replacing the old credit with a new program called the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and it comes with payments that are 25% larger. More than 12 million Canadians qualify. No application is required. Here's everything you need to know before the first payment lands. What Is the CGEB? The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit is the federal government's replacement for the GST/HST credit, which has been around since 1991. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced the new benefit on January 26, 2026, and it received Royal Assent on February 12 under Bill C-19. The legislation commits $11.7 billion in additional support to Canadians over six years — $3.1 billion immediately through the one-time June top-up, and $8.6 billion over five years through higher quarterly payments. The name change is deliberate — it signal...

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Icy Assault Looms Over the GTA: Toronto Awaits a Storm of Freezing Rain

A pronounced winter threat challenges southern Ontario this Saturday as freezing rain continues to blanket the region. Early morning reports confirm that communities surrounding Toronto—including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, and others—are already feeling the impact, with even heavier accumulations expected in higher terrain as the storm advances .

Toronto, along with neighboring cities like Mississauga and Brampton, is bracing for a surge in freezing rain expected to kick in by Saturday night. Environment Canada warns that ice buildup of 3 to 5 millimetres in the urban core could lead to slippery roadways, broken tree branches, and power outages, while some areas in Durham Region might see accumulations up to 10 millimetres. With the storm projected to persist into Sunday morning before gradually shifting to rain as temperatures near the freezing mark, officials urge citizens to exercise extra caution on the roads .

Authorities are advising residents to postpone non-essential travel and closely monitor local weather updates. As the freezing conditions threaten infrastructure—risking both treacherous driving conditions and utility disruptions—the public is encouraged to prepare emergency supplies and stay aware of rapidly changing conditions .

This severe late-winter storm is a vivid reminder of nature’s unpredictable force. Whether it’s safeguarding vehicles with winter tires or ensuring that emergency kits are within easy reach, every precaution counts. As southern Ontario rallies in the face of this icy onslaught, communities remain united in their determination to weather the storm and protect one another .

Beyond the immediate concerns, many might wonder how best to prepare for similar events in the future, or even what historical weather patterns suggest about the resilience of the region during such icy bouts. Exploring preparedness strategies—ranging from safe driving tips on ice-covered roads to effective home power backup solutions—can provide valuable insights in mitigating risks during severe winter weather.

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