
‘Before it’s too late’: Residents urged to heed wildfire-related evacuation order
Some residents ordered to evacuate their homes in and around Boston Bar, B.C., have chosen not to leave.
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Some residents ordered to evacuate their homes in and around Boston Bar, B.C., have chosen not to leave.

Another month means another slate of benefit payments for Canadians. August is the second month that eligible Canadians are receiving boosted payments from the government. Since 2018, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has used a process called indexation to adjust benefit and credit payments to keep pace with inflation and the rising cost of living. It’s implemented annually in July, which is the start of the new benefit year. In 2026, the indexation increase is two per cent, which means some benefit and credit payments have increased by that amount. In comparison, it’s a lower hike than the 2.7 per cent increase in 2025. From families to people living with disabilities, many Canadians could be eligible to receive these increased benefit and credit payments that aim to make life a little more affordable. Keep an eye on your bank account — here are all of the benefit and credit payments Canadians could get in August, and how much more they could receive. ONTARIO TRILLIUM BENEFIT — AUG. 10, 2026 The OTB is a tax-free payment that combines the Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit, the Northern Ontario Energy Credit, and the Ontario Sales Tax Credit. These payments will also increase in July for the 2026 benefit year. The Ontario Energy and Property Tax Credit will increase from $1,283 to $1,307 next month for those between 18 and 64 years old. If you’re 65 or older, the maximum you’ll qualify for goes up from $1,461 to $1,488. If you live on a reserve or a public long-term care home, the maximum you can receive will increase from $285 to $290. You’ll receive $25 for the time you lived in a designated college, university, or private school residence in 2025. The amount you receive for the Northern Ontario Energy Credit depends on your marital status. If you’re single, the maximum amount you can receive will increase from $185 to $189 in July, while families can get a maximum of $290, up from $285. Next month, eligible Ontarians will get a boost in the Ontario Sales Tax Credit, going from $371 to $378. You may be eligible for additional credit of up to $378 for your spouse or common-law partner, and each dependent child under 19 years of age on the 1st of the payment month. This credit does not affect your GST/HST credit payments. CANADA DISABILITY BENEFIT — AUG. 20, 2026 This benefit provides financial support to people with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 64 years old. The first month of eligibility for this benefit was in June 2025, and payments began in July 2025. You can still apply, and if you qualify for payments, you’ll begin getting money from the government the month after your application is approved. “You may receive back payments for up to 24 months from when we get your application, but not for any previous months of eligibility prior to June 2025,” reads the government site. Starting next month, the maximum monthly payment you could receive is $204.20, up from $200 in 2025. The payment will be based on your adjusted family net income from your 2025 federal income tax return. CANADA CHILD BENEFIT — AUG. 20, 2026 The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment for eligible families to help with the cost of raising kids under the age of 18. According to the CRA, the base benefit for a child under age six in 2026 will be $8,157, an increase of $160 from $7,997 in 2025. The base benefit for children aged six to 17 will be $6,883 next year, up $135 from $6,748 this year. Learn more about the increased CCB and Child Disability Benefit payments. B.C. FAMILY BENEFIT — AUG. 20, 2026 Families who qualify for the B.C. Family Benefit (BCFB) will receive this monthly tax-free payment, along with their CCB, in a single payment. For the July 2026 to June 2027 benefit year, the CRA states that families with children under 18 could receive $145.83 per month for the first child, $41.66 per month for the first child in a single-parent family, $91.66 per month for the second child, and $75 per month for each additional child. Families with a net income between $29,526 and $94,483 could receive $64.58 per month for the first child, $62.50 per month for the second child, and $60.41 per month for each additional child. ONTARIO CHILD BENEFIT — AUG. 20, 2026 Ontario families with low to moderate income could be eligible for the Ontario Child Benefit (OCB), a provincial tax-free benefit that’s delivered with the CCB in a single monthly payment. Federal indexation does affect it, which means that starting next month, families could be eligible to receive a maximum of $146.66 (up from $143.91) per month for each child under 18 years of age. Families with a family net income above $26,865 may receive a partial benefit. CANADA PENSION PLAN — AUG. 27, 2026 The CPP is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of eligible Canadians’ income upon retirement and is paid for the rest of their lives. To receive money from the government, you must have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP and be at least 60 years old. You’ll receive your full pension even if you’re under 70 and still working; contributing to the CPP post-retirement benefit can increase your pension. The amount you receive will depend on when you decided to start your pension, the amount you contributed, how much you earned throughout your working life, and how long you contributed to the CPP. New beneficiaries aged 65 will receive an average monthly payment of $925.35 as of January 2026. The maximum monthly payment you can receive at age 65 is $1,507.65 as of January 2026. OLD AGE SECURITY — AUG. 27, 2026 Canadians aged 65 and older can qualify for the OAS pension regardless of their work history. Ottawa increased OAS payments for July to September 2026. Those aged 65 to 74 can now receive up to $751.97 per month in 2026 if their annual net income in 2025 was less than $152,062. Canadians aged 75 and older can now receive a maximum of $827.17 if their annual net world income in 2025 was less than $157,923. VETERAN DISABILITY PENSION — AUG. 28, 2026 The following Canadians can qualify for the Veteran Disability Pension: - A member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces - A member or former member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) - A Second World War or Korean War Veteran (includes Merchant Navy), or an eligible civilian who served in the Second World War Eligible recipients must have a diagnosed medical condition or disability and demonstrate that it was related to their service. If eligible, you can also receive a lifetime monthly benefit or lump sum for Pain and Suffering Compensation. The amount you receive depends on your disability, and payments range from $69.60 to $1,391.98. There’s also the disability pension, which depends on the number of dependents, such as your spouse, common-law partner, and/or children. You may also be eligible for benefits offered by your provincial or territorial government, rather than the federal government of Canada. Take a look at your provincial benefits page.

Three years after it nearly went away for good, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival opened its 49th edition Friday in Jericho Beach Park.

Those looking to travel this summer and get away from it all can do so within B.C. at the best resort in Canada. And it’s just a two-hour drive away from Vancouver. Fairmont Chateau Whistler has been named the number one resort in the country as part of the 31st anniversary of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards. More than 661,000 votes were cast in this year’s survey, picking the best city and island escapes, safari outfitters, airlines, resorts, and hotels around the world. Travel + Leisure explained that its readers are looking for destinations that go above and beyond. You might also like: - Vancouver is Canada's most expensive city to rent in and afford a vacation - Everything to know about Vancouver Pride Parade and festival this month - Pamela Anderson wows with views of 'magical' B.C. garden “T+L readers continue to search for hotels and experiences that draw them in—those with a rich backstory, entrancing interiors, and an authentic sense of place,” said the magazine in the awards announcement. Travel + Leisure magazine is renowned for its coverage of luxury travel destinations and experiences, and its annual World’s Best Awards recognize the top hotels worldwide based on reader votes and editorial expertise. Fairmont Chateau Whistler is described as a behemoth ski-in/ski-out retreat. “(It has) direct access to Blackcomb Mountain’s famed slopes, it also features an 18-hole golf course and an ayurvedic-inspired spa,” said Travel + Leisure of the acclaimed B.C. resort. “We are deeply honoured to be recognized by Travel + Leisure’s global readership,” said Ken Hall, General Manager of Fairmont Chateau Whistler, in a release. “This award reflects the passion and genuine hospitality our team brings to every guest experience. “Each day, we strive to create warm, authentic and memorable moments that capture the spirit of this extraordinary mountain destination. Knowing this recognition comes directly from travellers who choose our resort for their most meaningful moments makes it especially rewarding, and it inspires us to continually elevate every stay.” In second place on the list was The Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino. “Nestled between ancient rainforests and the ever-changing expanse of the Pacific Ocean, the Wickaninnish Inn is beautifully shaped by the surroundings,” reads the site. The inn is located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s located above Chesterman Beach and within the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region, making it perfect for nature lovers. The 31st anniversary of Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards also revealed the top 10 city hotels in Canada, with four located in B.C. Vancouver Island was also named the best island in Canada in the annual global awards. Check out the full list of resorts online.

An evacuation order remains in place for a second day in Boston Bar because of an out-of-control wildfire.

With wildfires burning across northwestern Ontario, Canada’s wildfire smoke has blown down into a number of U.S. states and cities. At the time of publication, Detroit, Mich., ranked as having the worst air quality in the world, according to IQAir. Washington, D.C., ranked as number four. According to CNN, air quality alerts have been issued for more than 100 million people in 18 states and the District of Columbia, with poor air quality from northeast Minnesota to southeast Virginia. While various U.S. lawmakers have been making noise online about the smoke, the U.S. president decided to chime in today. On Truth Social, Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on Canada to pay for the cost of air pollution. He said he would call Prime Minister Mark Carney to find out what Canada’s plans are. “We are holding Canada responsible for the fact that they are not properly maintaining their Forests, and Brush therein, and the United States is being unnecessarily invaded by filthy, polluted, and unhealthy air, the quality of which is dangerous, and totally unacceptable!” He called the cost “incalculable” and said that “Canada has refused to engage in basic Forest Management and Debris Removal, knowing that such refusal will lead to exactly this result.” Trump claimed that the pollution costs the U.S. “billions.” According to CNN, the Supreme Court ruled that Trump couldn’t use emergency power to levy tariffs, but he has looked into using other statutes to do so. Ontario Premier Doug Ford spoke with ABC News, where he told the U.S. that they “need support.” He shouted out to Governor Maura Healy of Massachusetts for calling and offering help. “Neighbours have each other’s backs, which is why Ontario has always been there for our American partners in their time of need,” Ford wrote on X. In early 2025, when wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, Canada responded by sending firefighters, aircraft, equipment, and other firefighting resources. As of Friday, there were over 900 active wildfires across Canada, with 189 of them in Ontario. On July 15, Mark Carney posted on social media about the wildfire situation, noting that it had ” significantly increased over the last three weeks across the country, and particularly in Northwestern Ontario.” He said that the federal government is ” in close contact with provincial, municipal, and Indigenous partners and stands ready to provide any additional support as needed.” You might also like: - Canada's tariffs on U.S. goods cost families $92 in taxes in two months - As wildfires trigger evacuation orders, Vancouver's air quality could get a lot worse - 'Vigorous and difficult-to-control': B.C. might be in for a bad wildfire season

Vancouver – On Thursday afternoon, The Vancouver Police have arrested […]

Canadians who own a toaster oven may want to check if it’s part of an urgent nationwide recall. Health Canada issued a recall notice on Thursday for Panasonic Flashxpress toaster ovens due to an electrical hazard. “The power cord insulation may be insufficient due to a protective fiberglass sleeve not covering it adequately, which poses an electrical shock hazard to consumers,” reads the notice. According to the agency, as of June 15, 2026, Panasonic has received no reports of incidents or injuries in Canada. However, in the U.S., the company has received five reports of circuit breaker tripping incidents involving the U.S. model, but no reports of shock, fire, or injuries. IS YOUR TOASTER OVEN A PART OF THIS RECALL? The affected product is the Panasonic Flashxpress Toaster Oven with model numbers NB-G205S (Canadian model) and NB-G200SVA (U.S. model). The recalled ovens have a stainless steel trim and use double infrared heat technology to cook food. The model number can be found on the back of the toaster oven on the product label. Panasonic reported that 2,184 units of the affected products were sold in Canada, and approximately 11,500 were sold in the United States. They were sold from November 2025 to March 2026. WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOUR TOASTER OVEN IS AFFECTED “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and return it to Panasonic Canada Inc. for a refund,” reads the Health Canada recall notice. To register for a refund, visit Panasonic’s toaster oven recall site. If you have more than one affected product, the company advises you to submit another registration. For more information, Canadians can contact Panasonic Canada Inc. by telephone at 1-888-422-6296, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, with service provided in English and French. This is a joint recall with Health Canada, the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission (US CPSC), and Panasonic Canada Inc. Check out the full Health Canada recall notice. You might also like: - Canadians could soon pay extra on this airline to keep the middle seat empty - Aeroplan just gave members another way to rack up points - Canada announces major update to parents and grandparents sponsorship program

As two out-of-control wildfires burn up in the Fraser Canyon, Metro Vancouver’s air quality could get a lot worse. This morning, Metro Vancouver Regional District released an air quality update, saying that “an air quality warning is possible, if conditions worsen.” They said that eastern parts of the Fraser Valley are being impacted by smoke from the wildfires close to Boston Bar and Hope, and that parts of Metro Vancouver are “experiencing hazy conditions.” “Fine particulate matter (air pollution particle) measurements are slightly higher than usual across the region, especially in the eastern parts, but remain below air quality warning thresholds,” reads the air quality update. However, they added that with winds forecast to shift direction later today, it could push the smoke away from the region and improve air quality. “Wildfire and smoke behaviour can change quickly, and Metro Vancouver staff are keeping an eye on conditions.” According to IQAir, a platform that provides real-time air quality data, Vancouver’s air quality is the 105th worst in the world at the time of publication. OUT-OF-CONTROL WILDFIRES On Thursday morning, the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD) issued an evacuation order for the area of Boston Bar, a community about a five-and-a-half-hour drive from Vancouver. The FVRD said that they issued the order “due to increased wildfire behaviour.” The two fires of note are the Brunswick Creek fire, which is 3,578 hectares, and the Ainslie Creek fire, which is 16,197 hectares. In an email, the BC Wildfire Service (BCWS) told Daily Hive that conditions have been “on a heating and drying trend this week. They added that they are expecting a weather event today that will “bring instability with strong erratic winds and likely dry lightning,” with a chance of small amount (one to five millimetres) of rain. The BCWS said that they expect “elevated and potentially erratic fire behaviour” to continue today, but that the “current unstable systems should pass” in 24 to 48 hours. THE EFFECTS OF WILDFIRE SMOKE Wildfire smoke can cause health impacts, especially to people with lung, heart, or other chronic conditions, as well as those who are pregnant, infants, older adults, and outdoor workers. According to the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC), smoky air makes it more challenging for your lungs to get oxygen to your blood, irritates your respiratory system and causes an immune response, increasing the risk of some infections. Some of the mild symptoms people might experience include: - Eye irritation - Runny nose - Sore throat - Mild cough - Phlegm production More severe symptoms, which the BCCDC advises seeking medical attention for if you experience, include: - Wheezy breathing - Headaches - Shortness of breath - Dizziness - Chest pain Reducing exposure to wildfire smoke is the best way to protect yourself, and the BCCDC advises that people use portable air cleaners with HEPA filtration, make a homemade air cleaner if necessary, or, if you have forced air heating, use different filters and settings to minimize the amount of wildfire smoke. They also suggest people visit libraries, community centres, and shopping malls to find cooler, filtered air. You might also like: - Will Canadian wildfires smoke out the FIFA World Cup Final? - Campfire ban coming to much of B.C. starting tomorrow - Tonight's Vancouver Whitecaps game has been postponed

The Canadian Home Improvement Credit Corporation (CHICC) has been ordered to refund around $113,000 to affected B.C. consumers within 90 days in a door-to-door seller investigation. “CHICC is Canada’s preferred rental & home improvement financing company. Whether you are a homeowner or business partner, we pride ourselves on our personalized service and customer support,” CHICC’s website states. Consumer Protection BC (CPBC) identified 53 customers whose contracts didn’t include the total contract price, which is required by law. “It was alleged that nine of those consumers were contacted by the debt collector, and five paid more than they owed,” CPBC said. Under the agreement with CPBC, CHICC must refund customers, cancel certain contracts, remove any liens or charges that were created under those contracts, change its business practices, and pay over $21,000 to cover CPBC’s inspection costs. “Consumers have a right to know the full cost of a contract before they sign and to be treated fairly when debts are collected,” said Louise Hartland, director of Public Relations for CPBC, in a statement. “This undertaking delivers meaningful remedies for affected consumers and requires important changes to CHICC’s business practices.” CPBC is advising customers who have a contract with the B.C. door-to-door seller to review it and to determine whether the total contract price was disclosed. CPBC says that under the undertaking, consumers whose contracts don’t include the total contract price may be entitled to a cancellation of the agreement. “This case highlights risks that can arise when consumers enter financed direct sales contracts without clear information about the total cost,” Hartland said. She added, “Upcoming changes to BC’s consumer protection laws will make at-the-door financing unlawful, and if it happens in our province, we want to hear about it.” You can find more about the investigation on the CPBC website. You might also like: - Scotiabank ordered to pay thousands after debt collectors call B.C. customer over 100 times - Two major BC cities just had some of the biggest monthly rent increases in Canada - Metro Vancouver travel agency has its licence cancelled

Flying economy can be cramped and uncomfortable, so one airline has come up with a solution that could make flights more roomy, but passengers will have to pay extra. On Tuesday, United Airlines announced a new offer for travellers who book Economy Plus on the carrier’s new Airbus A321XLR aircraft — an empty middle seat so you get extra elbow room and access to a shared table across the open seat. “We’re investing nose-to-tail across our fleet and giving customers choice and value in every cabin,” said Andrew Nocella, United’s executive vice-president and chief commercial officer. The airline expects to include the new Economy Plus option on its entire order of 50 A321XLR and said it’s exploring offering these seats on other types of aircraft in the future. So, what will these seats look like? According to the carrier, one row will have large, custom-designed tables stretching from armrest to armrest across the open middle seats. It said this will give passengers sitting in the window or aisle seat extra space to stretch on longer international flights. The table in the middle seat will be permanently fixed, with a soft leather-like covering, and two indentations for cups. United said the extra arm room is in addition to the three inches of additional legroom already offered in Economy Plus on the XLR. This new offer is in addition to United’s all-aisle access lie-flat seats, which it announced in March, which allow passengers to book economy seats that can turn into beds. “The XLR is our newest aircraft and not only offers all-aisle access lie-flat seats in United Polaris but now also includes seats in Economy Plus with extra leg and elbow room. Our customers are going to love all these new options,” stated Nocella. United said it expects to be the only U.S. airline that will offer the empty middle seat option, which will be for sale later this year. The carrier said it will share more details about the new seats, including the price, before they go on sale. You might also like: - Aeroplan just gave members another way to rack up points - Canada announces major update to parents and grandparents sponsorship program - Urgent Canada-wide recall issued for product sold at Dollarama

Vancouver – A suspect was arrested yesterday following an alleged […]
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