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The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — And It's Paying 25% More

  Sunday, July 19, 2026 If you've relied on the quarterly GST/HST credit, that name is gone for good. Here's what replaced it, how much more it's worth, and whether you need to do anything to get it. For years, the GST/HST credit quietly landed in millions of Canadian bank accounts every three months — a modest, tax-free top-up meant to offset sales tax on everyday purchases. As of this month, that program no longer exists under its old name. It's now the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) , and the federal government has permanently increased the payment by 25%, locked in for five years. If you already qualified for the GST/HST credit, you don't need to apply for anything new. But you should know what changed, because the numbers — and the timeline — are more involved than a simple rename. What actually changed The CGEB was first announced by the federal government in January 2026 as part of a broader affordability push, and it became law with the passa...

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Economists Criticize Liberals' New Stimulus Package, Question Long-Term Impact

 

Canada’s Liberal government has unveiled a new stimulus package aimed at addressing economic uncertainty, but the move is drawing skepticism from economists who question its rationale and potential implications for fiscal policy.

The package, which includes targeted financial relief for low- and middle-income households, tax credits for businesses, and infrastructure investments, is designed to counter inflationary pressures and boost economic activity. However, experts warn that such measures may have unintended consequences.

“Introducing new spending programs in the current economic climate could exacerbate deficits and put additional strain on taxpayers in the long run,” said Kevin Milligan, an economics professor at the University of British Columbia. “It’s not good for tax policy to continually rely on temporary fixes.”

Critics also argue that the package lacks clear metrics for success and risks fueling inflation rather than curbing it. Others, however, defend the plan as necessary to support vulnerable Canadians amid rising costs of living and global economic uncertainty.

As Parliament debates the package, opposition parties have demanded greater transparency on how the funding will be allocated and its expected impact on Canada’s long-term economic health.


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