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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Canada Dodges Major Impact in Trump's Tariff Storm
In a sweeping move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs targeting imports from dozens of countries. While Canada wasn't entirely spared, it avoided the harshest measures. The new tariffs include a 25% levy on foreign-made automobiles, which could have significant implications for Canada's auto industry. However, Canada is exempt from the baseline 10% tariff applied to other nations.
Trump's administration claims these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing, but critics warn of potential economic fallout, including higher consumer prices and strained international relations. Canada, already facing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy, remains cautious as bilateral tensions continue to rise.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving Canada's economic stability amid shifting trade dynamics. The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining trade partnerships and navigating protectionist policies.
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