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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Ontario's Measles Outbreak Worsens as Cases Surge
Ontario is grappling with a rapidly escalating measles outbreak, as health officials report nearly 200 new cases in the past week. The province's total count of probable and confirmed infections has now reached 1,440 since the outbreak began in October.
The highly contagious virus has spread to new regions across Canada, with Nova Scotia and Northwest Territories recently confirming their first cases. Alberta has also seen a sharp rise, reporting nearly 300 cases since mid-March, including three children in intensive care.
Ontario's southwestern region remains the hardest hit, with nearly 500 cases concentrated there. Health officials emphasize that the majority of infections are occurring among unvaccinated children, infants, and teenagers.
With hospitalizations climbing 101 patients admitted, including 75 children public health authorities are urging residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date. The province continues to ramp up immunization efforts in an attempt to curb the outbreak's spread.
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