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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
CMA Advocates for End to Sick Note Requirements: A Step Towards Better Healthcare Efficiency
The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has recently called for the elimination of sick note requirements by employers for short-term minor illnesses. This move aims to reduce the administrative burden on physicians and improve patient care. According to the CMA, the current practice of requiring sick notes for minor illnesses diverts valuable time and resources away from patient care, creating unnecessary strain on the healthcare system.
In a new position paper, the CMA recommends legislative changes to restrict the requirement for sick notes and promote alternatives such as self-certification and flexible leave policies. These changes are expected to enhance healthcare efficiency by preventing millions of unnecessary healthcare interactions annually.
The CMA’s call for action highlights the need for a more streamlined approach to managing minor illnesses in the workplace, ultimately benefiting both employees and the healthcare system.
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