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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Russia's Role in Stalling Peace Efforts in Ukraine

European foreign ministers convened at a NATO meeting in Brussels, collectively accusing Russia of obstructing U.S.-led peace initiatives aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The ministers urged the Trump administration to adopt a firmer stance against Moscow, citing concerns over Russian President Vladimir Putin's commitment to peace.

Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's promise to bring a swift end to the three-year war, recent developments have cast doubt on Putin's intentions. Moscow rejected a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in March, even as Ukraine expressed willingness to cooperate. Instead, the warring sides agreed to a limited pause in attacks on energy infrastructure, which both parties accused each other of violating.

British Foreign Minister David Lammy criticized Putin for "dragging his feet" and continuing to bombard Ukraine's civilian population and energy supplies. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock described Putin's negotiation efforts as "empty promises," while French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot called for a definitive response from Moscow to the ceasefire proposal.

Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly suggested imposing a deadline for Russia to respond, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. The ministers' collective stance reflects growing frustration with Russia's perceived lack of commitment to peace and a call for stronger international pressure.

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