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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Man climbs London’s Big Ben tower waving Palestinian flag
In a striking act of protest, a man climbed the iconic Elizabeth Tower, commonly known as Big Ben, at the Palace of Westminster in London early Saturday morning. Waving a Palestinian flag and reportedly shouting "Free Palestine," the barefoot man drew the attention of onlookers and emergency services alike.
The Metropolitan Police were alerted to the incident at 7:24 AM and quickly arrived at the scene, accompanied by the London Fire Brigade and Ambulance Service. Emergency crews used an aerial ladder platform to communicate with the man and work toward a safe resolution. Westminster Bridge and nearby streets were temporarily closed, causing significant traffic disruptions.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the man's identity or motives, but the protest has sparked conversations about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The incident highlights the lengths to which individuals will go to draw attention to political causes. Tours of the Parliamentary Estate were canceled for the day as a precautionary measure.
The situation remains under investigation as officials work to understand the full context of the protest.
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