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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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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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Hot, Humid Air Fuels Thunderstorm Risk in Southern Ontario

 

As the intense heat and humidity persist, southern Ontario remains under the threat of thunderstorms. High temperatures and moisture create favorable conditions for storm development, with the risk extending into the weekend.

Heat and Humidity: Key Drivers

  • Heat Dome: The Great Lakes region is currently enveloped by a heat dome, amplifying the risk of thunderstorms.
  • Unstable Atmosphere: Thursday will see an unstable atmosphere, allowing for additional thunderstorm activity.
  • Uneven Heating: Pockets of uneven heating throughout the day, along with convergence, will determine localized storm activity.

Potential Impacts

  • Severe Storms: Some thunderstorms could become severe due to torrential rainfall and locally gusty winds.
  • Heavy Rainfall: Ample moisture in the atmosphere means heavy rain, especially if storms linger over the same location.
  • Localized Flooding: Urban areas are at risk of flash flooding as storms move slowly across.

Stay Prepared

  • Widespread Heat Warnings: Temperatures soar into the 30s, feeling even hotter with the humidex.
  • Evening and Overnight Storms: Another round of thunderstorm activity is possible during these hours.


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