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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
In the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, the southern Gaza city of Rafah has become a focal point. Here’s a brief overview of the situation:
US Halts Shipment of Powerful Bombs:
- As Israeli troops battled Hamas on the outskirts of Rafah, the United States made a significant move by halting a shipment of powerful bombs that Israel could potentially use in a full-scale assault.
- This decision aims to prevent civilian casualties and further escalation in the region.
Ceasefire Talks in Cairo:
- Ceasefire negotiations have resumed in Cairo, with delegations from Hamas, Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar participating.
- The remaining differences between Israel and Hamas are being addressed, and there is optimism that the Palestinian militant group’s latest ceasefire proposal can bridge the gaps.
- CIA Director Bill Burns is also involved in these talks, traveling from Cairo to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and officials.
Challenges and Warnings:
- Israel declared Hamas’ three-phase proposal unacceptable due to softened terms, but the revised proposal suggests that the remaining gaps can be closed.
- Hamas warns that continued Israeli military aggression in Rafah could jeopardize any truce agreement.
- The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring developments.
Humanitarian Impact:
- The seizure of the main border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in Rafah has cut off a vital route for aid into the enclave.
- Hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians in Gaza are facing homelessness and hunger.
In summary, the battles in Rafah continue, and the US’s decision to halt weapon shipments underscores the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution. The world watches as negotiations unfold, hoping for a breakthrough that will spare lives and bring stability to the region.
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