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The GST Credit Is Gone: What the New Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief · Government Benefits As of today, July 1, 2026, the GST/HST credit no longer exists under that name. It's been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) — and for most recipients, the cheques (or direct deposits) are about to get bigger. If you've been getting the GST/HST credit, here's exactly what's changing, how much more you can expect, and when the money actually shows up. What Actually Changed The CGEB isn't a brand-new program from scratch — it's the GST/HST credit, renamed and enhanced. The federal government made two moves this year: A one-time top-up equal to 50% of your 2025–26 annual GST/HST credit amount, which started landing in bank accounts on June 5, 2026. A permanent-feeling 25% increase to the base benefit, in effect for five years starting with the July 2026 payment, and indexed to inflation. Both are automatic. If you filed your 2024 tax return and qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don'...

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Canadian Housing Market Enters Winter Hibernation: What You Need to Know

 


According to a recent news article, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) has reported that home sales in Canada have slowed down in October, with a 5.6% decline compared to September. The article also mentions that both buyers and sellers appear to be holding off for the time being, with some sellers shelving their plans until next spring.

The causes of the slowdown are attributed to various factors, such as higher interest rates, tighter lending rules, rising home prices, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the economy and consumer confidence. The article also notes that some regions of British Columbia are starting to see softening in average home prices, while average home price declines are still uncommon throughout most of Canada’s major cities.

Despite the slowdown, the Canadian housing market remains active, with 33,921 homes sold in Canada in October, up 0.9% compared with the same month last year. The national average home price rose 1.8% year-over-year to $656,625.

If you’re planning to buy or sell a home in Canada, it’s advisable to keep an eye on the market trends and consult with a licensed real estate agent or mortgage broker. They can provide you with valuable insights and advice on how to navigate the current market conditions and make informed decisions.


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