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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Trump's Semiconductor Tariff Plans Leave Tech Industry on Edge
In a move that has sent ripples through the tech industry, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to introduce tariffs on imported semiconductors. Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump hinted at flexibility for certain companies but emphasized the need to bolster domestic production of chips and electronics. This announcement follows a series of tariff exemptions for consumer electronics, which had briefly raised hopes within the tech sector.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick clarified that while some products like smartphones and laptops are temporarily exempt, they will likely face separate tariffs in the coming months. This back-and-forth has created significant uncertainty, with industry leaders expressing concerns over potential disruptions to global supply chains and increased costs for consumers.
The semiconductor tariffs are part of a broader strategy to reshape the electronics supply chain and encourage domestic manufacturing. However, the tech industry remains wary, as these measures could lead to retaliatory actions from trade partners and further volatility in the market.
The coming weeks will reveal the full scope of these tariffs and their impact on the global tech landscape.
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