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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Escalating Tensions: Strikes on Militant Leaders Threaten Middle East Stability
In a dramatic escalation, the recent targeted strikes on two senior militant leaders have heightened tensions in the already volatile Middle East. The assassination of Hamas’ top leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and the strike against senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut have sent shockwaves through the region.
These strikes, attributed to Israel, come at a critical juncture as international mediators strive to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The killing of Haniyeh, a key figure in the cease-fire negotiations, has cast a shadow over these efforts. A senior Egyptian official involved in the talks described the assassination as a “reckless act” that could derail the fragile peace process.
Iran’s response to the attack on its territory has further complicated the situation, with threats of retaliation that could potentially lead to a broader conflict. The international community, including the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, has condemned the strikes and urged for restraint to prevent further escalation.
The impact of these events on the ground is palpable. In Gaza, there is a growing sense of despair as hopes for a cease-fire wane. “By assassinating Haniyeh, they are destroying everything,” said Nour Abu Salam, a displaced Palestinian.
As the region teeters on the brink, the need for diplomatic intervention and a renewed commitment to peace has never been more urgent. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the Middle East can avoid descending into further chaos.
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