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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Tragedy Strikes Vancouver Street Festival: Nine Lives Lost in SUV Incident
A devastating incident unfolded at Vancouver's Lapu Lapu Day Block Party on Saturday evening, leaving nine people dead and multiple others injured. The festival, celebrating Filipino culture, was winding down near East 41st Avenue and Fraser Street when a black SUV plowed into the crowd at high speed.
Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic, with bodies scattered across the street and bystanders rushing to assist the injured. The driver, a 30-year-old Vancouver man, was restrained by festival-goers until police arrived. Authorities have confirmed that the suspect is known to them and have ruled out terrorism as a motive.
The Lapu Lapu Day Block Party, named after a Filipino resistance fighter, had drawn thousands of attendees throughout the day. The tragedy has left the community in shock, with Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim expressing his condolences and support for the victims and their families.
Investigations are ongoing, and the Vancouver Police Department's Major Crime Section is leading the case. The city mourns the loss of lives and grapples with the aftermath of this horrific event.
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