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Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit: What You Need to Know About Tomorrow's Payment

  If you've ever received a GST/HST credit payment from the CRA, there's a good chance money is landing in your bank account tomorrow — and this time, it could be noticeably bigger than usual. On June 5, 2026 , the federal government is issuing a one-time top-up payment to more than 12 million eligible Canadians as part of the transition to the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit (CGEB) . Here's what the payment is, how much you could receive, and what changes are coming in July. What Is the June 5 Payment? The June 5 deposit is a one-time GST/HST credit top-up — equal to 50% of your annual GST/HST credit entitlement for the 2025–26 benefit year. Think of it as a bonus mid-year payment on top of your regular quarterly schedule. This payment is part of the federal government's bridge between the old GST/HST credit and the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit, which officially launches in July 2026. The goal is to get money into Canadians' hands now, b...

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Peak of Sensitive Cherry Blossoms in Toronto Faces Frost Threat

 

As Toronto eagerly anticipates the annual cherry blossom peak, a sudden threat looms overhead. The delicate cherry blossoms, known for their vibrant displays, are at risk due to the possibility of frost. With overnight lows expected to dip below freezing and little to no wind, the potential frost could jeopardize the blossoms’ beauty

The High Park cherry blossoms are currently in their most sensitive stage regarding weather threats, specifically frost. As of April 19, they reached Stage 5, with a minority of sakura flowers having opened up in the park, representing nearly 20% growth. However, warmer weather is needed for them to enter full bloom. Other parts of the city, including near the University of Toronto, have already experienced trees in full bloom as early as April 15 this year.

Unfortunately, frost poses a hazard to the quality of this year’s bloom. In previous years, extreme cold temperatures led to disappointing displays. For instance, in 2016, 14 consecutive frosts during the first half of April resulted in only a 25% peak bloom in early May. Two years later, the situation was even worse, with three consecutive frosts late into April after a 10-day mild stretch. The killing frost materialized during the flower’s most sensitive stage, causing the bloom to fail to materialize.

The critical temperature for cherry blossoms is colder than -2°C, beyond which damage can occur. Let’s hope that this year’s flowers prove extra resilient as Toronto faces back-to-back consecutive frosts and another forecasted event that may impact the bloom

If you’re in Toronto, consider visiting High Park this weekend to witness the cherry blossoms for yourself. Fingers crossed that Mother Nature is kind to these delicate blooms! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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