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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Liberals Secure Fourth Mandate Amid Political Shifts
The Liberal Party of Canada has achieved a historic fourth consecutive mandate, led by Prime Minister Mark Carney. This victory marks a significant rebound for the party, which faced challenges following the resignation of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau earlier this year.
While the final count of seats remains uncertain, early projections suggest the Liberals may form a minority government, requiring collaboration with other parties to pass legislation. Carney, who won his Ottawa-area riding, emphasized unity and inclusivity in his victory speech, promising to govern for all Canadians.
The election saw a dramatic collapse in support for the New Democratic Party, with leader Jagmeet Singh announcing his resignation after losing his seat. Meanwhile, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre vowed to hold the Liberal government accountable, despite trailing in his own riding.
This election unfolded against the backdrop of economic tensions with the United States, housing affordability concerns, and climate policy debates. Canadians now await the final seat count to determine the shape of their next government.
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