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...
Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage
Thailand has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by passing a groundbreaking bill in the Senate. The legislation, which recognizes same-sex marriage, makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Here are the key points:
Approval in the Senate:
- The upper house approved the measure with 130 votes in favor out of 152 members present, with only four against and 18 abstentions.
- This final reading paves the way for Thailand to officially recognize same-sex marriages.
Next Steps:
- The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is widely expected.
- Once published in the royal gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days.
Implications:
- Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
- The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
- LGBTQ couples will gain inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.
Celebration and Progress:
- Politicians and activists celebrated in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
- Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, will host celebrations at his official residence.
Historic Moment:
- Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, called it a historic day: “Today, love triumphed over prejudice.”
- Despite Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ culture, activists have long fought against conservative attitudes.
In summary, Thailand’s Senate has taken a monumental step forward, recognizing love and equality for all. Soon, same-sex couples in Thailand will have the legal recognition they deserve.
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