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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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EU Pressures Ukraine to Safeguard Anti-Corruption Institutions Amid Controversial Reforms

EU Calls for Integrity in Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Framework

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to uphold the independence of Ukraine’s anti-corruption institutions, warning that their autonomy is essential for the country’s EU membership aspirations.

The appeal follows the passage of a controversial law by Ukraine’s parliament that places the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) under the authority of the prosecutor general—a position appointed by the president. Critics argue this move undermines the agencies’ independence and could allow political interference in corruption investigations.

Thousands of Ukrainians have taken to the streets in protest, marking the largest public demonstrations since the war began. Protesters and civil society groups fear the law could dismantle years of progress made since the 2014 EuroMaidan Revolution, which led to the creation of these bodies to combat high-level corruption.

Von der Leyen emphasized that “independent anti-corruption bodies are cornerstones of Ukraine’s rule of law” and reiterated that EU support remains contingent on Ukraine’s commitment to transparency and judicial reform. Other European leaders, including those from Germany, Sweden, and the Czech Republic, echoed these concerns, warning that weakening anti-corruption institutions could jeopardize Ukraine’s EU accession path.

In response to mounting pressure, Zelenskyy has pledged to submit a new bill aimed at preserving the independence of these agencies. The EU welcomed this move but continues to monitor developments closely, stressing that institutional integrity must be maintained for Ukraine to progress toward EU membership.


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