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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Canada’s Alert Ready System Set for Annual Test Today
Canada’s emergency public alerting system, Alert Ready, is undergoing its annual test today across most provinces and territories. The test will be broadcast on TV, radio, and compatible wireless devices, ensuring that the system functions properly and raises public awareness.
Each province and territory has a designated test time, ranging from morning to afternoon, except Quebec, which is not participating in this round of testing. The test will simulate an emergency alert, complete with the distinctive alert tone, but requires no action from the public.
The Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) mandates at least one test per year, typically conducted during Emergency Preparedness Week, which runs from May 4–10 this year. The goal is to ensure Canadians are familiar with the system and prepared for real emergencies, such as tornadoes, floods, fires, and AMBER alerts.
While most Canadians will receive the test alert, some may not due to device compatibility, network connection, or cell tower coverage. Given the importance of emergency warnings, Canadians cannot opt out of receiving these alerts.
This annual test serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness. Canadians are encouraged to review their emergency plans and kits to ensure they are ready for unexpected situations.
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