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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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Ontario Mandates Full-Time Office Return for Public Servants by 2026

 

In a sweeping shift from hybrid work arrangements, the Ontario government has announced that all provincial public servants will be required to return to the office five days a week starting January 5, 2026.

The transition begins this fall: employees currently working in-office three days a week will increase to four days starting October 20, 2025. The move affects approximately 60,000 public service workers across provincial agencies, boards, and commissions.

Treasury Board President Caroline Mulroney stated that the decision reflects evolving workplace norms and aims to align with standards seen in both public and private sectors. “This transition is an important step that supports the government’s ongoing efforts to build a more competitive, resilient and self-reliant Ontario,” she said.

Premier Doug Ford echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that in-person work fosters greater productivity and collaboration. The announcement follows similar mandates from major Canadian banks, which have also scaled back remote work options.

The decision has sparked debate, especially among unions and employees who had negotiated flexible work arrangements in recent contracts. As the province moves forward, the impact on morale, productivity, and work-life balance will be closely watched.


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