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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Green Party Excluded from Federal Election Debates
The Leaders' Debates Commission has made the controversial decision to exclude the Green Party of Canada from participating in the upcoming federal election debates. This decision stems from the party's failure to meet the commission's participation criteria, which include running candidates in at least 90% of federal ridings. The Green Party's strategic choice to reduce the number of candidates in certain ridings was cited as a key factor in their disqualification.
The commission emphasized that this move was necessary to maintain the integrity of the debates and ensure they remain informative for voters. However, the decision has sparked debate about the inclusivity of the process and the representation of diverse political voices in Canada.
This exclusion raises questions about the balance between logistical criteria and democratic representation. The Green Party's absence from the debates could significantly impact their visibility and influence in the upcoming election.
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