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  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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...

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Centrist Benny Gantz Resigns from Israeli War Cabinet Amid Frustrations with Netanyahu

 

Benny Gantz, a centrist member of Israel’s three-man war Cabinet, announced his resignation on Sunday, citing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s mismanagement of the war effort and prioritization of his own “political survival” over the country’s security needs. Gantz’s departure does not immediately threaten Netanyahu’s majority coalition in parliament, but it leaves the Israeli leader more reliant on far-right allies who oppose the latest U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal and advocate for continued military action.

Gantz, a popular former military chief, had joined Netanyahu’s government shortly after the Hamas attack in a show of unity. His presence bolstered Israel’s credibility with international partners, particularly the United States. However, his frustration with Netanyahu’s lack of a new plan for postwar Gaza led to his decision to step down. Gantz called for elections in the fall and encouraged Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to follow suit and resign from the government as well.

The move highlights the ongoing tensions within the Israeli government and underscores the challenges of managing the conflict in Gaza. As Netanyahu faces increased reliance on right-wing members of his government, the international community watches closely, concerned about the impact on stability and prospects for peace in the region.

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