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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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Ontario's Measles Crisis: A Community on High Alert

In the heart of Ontario, a measles outbreak has gripped the province, marking the largest surge since the disease was declared eliminated in Canada in 1998. With over 470 cases reported since October, the outbreak has spread across multiple regions, including Southwestern Ontario and Grand Erie, where the majority of cases are concentrated. 

The highly contagious nature of measles, coupled with low vaccination rates in certain areas, has fueled the rapid spread. Public health officials are urging residents to ensure their immunizations are up-to-date, as unvaccinated children account for most of the hospitalizations. 

Efforts to contain the outbreak include enhanced surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and the use of innovative tools like wastewater testing in cities like Ottawa. This method, though still in its early stages, offers a promising way to detect the virus and prevent further spread. 

As Ontario battles this public health challenge, the importance of vaccination and community vigilance has never been clearer. The fight against measles is a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect the most vulnerable among us.

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