5 Things to Know Today Your morning briefing on what's moving Canadian wallets and markets — Thursday, June 5, 2026. 1 / Benefits Your Grocery Benefit Cheque Lands Today Today is the day millions of Canadians have been watching their bank accounts for. The federal government is issuing a one-time Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) top-up to more than 12 million eligible Canadians starting June 5, 2026. The payment equals roughly 50% of your annual GST/HST credit entitlement — so if you normally receive that credit, expect to see a notably larger-than-usual deposit. The numbers: a family of four could receive up to $1,890 in 2026 (including the top-up), while a single person could receive up to $950 . Your bank statement may still label the deposit as "GST/HST Credit" or "GST/HST RC150" — that's normal. The full rebrand to CGEB takes effect July 3, 2026, when the regular quarterly payments resume at a permanent 25% increase for the next five...
Who Was St. Patrick?
- Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
- At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
- One of the most well-known legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
Early Observance in Ireland:
- For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday.
- During the Christian season of Lent, Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon.
- Lenten prohibitions against meat consumption were waived, allowing people to dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
First St. Patrick’s Day Parade:
- Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland but in America.
- Records show that a parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
- Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772, to honor the Irish patron saint.
- Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston, and other American cities continued to grow.
Growth of Celebrations:
- Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, leading to the rise of “Irish Aid” societies.
- These societies held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums.
- In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies united their parades to form the world’s oldest civilian parade: the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which remains the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.
So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of this beloved holiday!
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