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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Trump Administration Pushes Forward with Federal Workforce Cuts
The Trump administration is moving ahead with a significant reduction in the federal workforce, following the submission of downsizing plans by various agencies. This initiative, part of a broader effort to streamline government operations, has sparked widespread concern and debate.
Key agencies, including the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Education, are expected to see substantial layoffs, with thousands of jobs on the line. The administration's directive emphasizes cutting non-essential functions and reducing budgets, aiming to reshape the federal bureaucracy. However, these measures have faced legal challenges, with courts recently ordering the reinstatement of some dismissed employees.
The economic implications of these layoffs are also under scrutiny, as fears of a potential recession loom. Critics argue that the cuts could disrupt essential services and harm vulnerable populations, while supporters view them as a necessary step toward fiscal responsibility.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the administration's efforts to redefine the role and scope of the federal government.
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