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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Greek Workers Unite in Nationwide Strike for Wage Reform
On April 9, 2025, Greece witnessed a nationwide strike that brought the country to a standstill. Public and private sector workers staged a 24-hour walkout, demanding higher wages and the reinstatement of collective bargaining rights. The strike disrupted essential services, grounding flights, halting trains, and tying up ferries at ports. Public transport in Athens operated only part-time, while thousands of protesters gathered in the capital and other cities to voice their demands.
The strike comes amid rising living costs, with food, housing, and utilities becoming increasingly unaffordable for many households. Despite a cumulative 35% increase in the minimum wage to €880, workers argue that their purchasing power remains insufficient. Labour unions are calling for immediate pay raises and the restoration of annual bonuses that were scrapped during Greece's financial crisis.
This collective action highlights the growing frustration among workers as they struggle to make ends meet in the face of economic challenges. The government has promised further wage increases but cites fiscal constraints as a barrier to meeting all demands.
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