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 The GST/HST Credit Has a New Name — and a Bigger Payout The GST/HST credit has officially been replaced by the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) .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...
Federal Officials Ignored Auditor’s Call to Report Suspicious $160-Million Contract to RCMP
Federal officials have reportedly ignored calls from an auditor to refer a suspicious $160-million contract to the RCMP for investigation. The auditor, who was involved in a federal program prioritizing Indigenous companies, produced a report alleging that a large nurse staffing agency exploited its Indigenous partner and submitted fraudulent documents. Despite the auditor's substantial evidence and recommendation to involve the RCMP, federal officials chose not to act, citing concerns about potential troubles.
The contract in question was an eight-year agreement to deliver nursing services in remote Indigenous communities. The auditor's findings led to the removal of the joint venture from the Indigenous Business Directory managed by Indigenous Services Canada.
This case highlights ongoing issues within federal procurement practices and raises questions about accountability and transparency in handling allegations of fraud.
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