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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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Canada’s eastern corridor is bracing for an extended bout of extreme heat and oppressive humidity that’s stretching from Toronto across the Maritimes to St. John’s. With temperatures climbing well into the 30s°C (high 80s–90s°F) and humidex values soaring past 40, public health officials are sounding alarms.

Health Risks on the Rise
Meteorologists warn that these conditions pose serious risks, especially to seniors, young children, and people with preexisting health conditions. Emergency cooling centers have opened in several cities, and hospitals are preparing for an uptick in heat-related illnesses.

Record-Breaking Trend
This stretch of hot weather, fueled by stagnant air and high dew points, follows a summer marked by erratic climate patterns. Environment Canada noted this could become one of the most intense and prolonged heat events in recent memory.

How to Stay Safe
Officials advise residents to:

  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid strenuous activities during peak daylight hours
  • Check on vulnerable neighbors and family members
  • Keep pets hydrated and indoors during the hottest parts of the day

Whether you're on Bay Street or the rocky shores of Newfoundland, this isn't just “summer heat”—it's a serious situation demanding care and caution.



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