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Ottawa Backs Down on Digital Tax Dispute Amid Pressure from Trump White House

Canada has reportedly agreed to delay its planned digital services tax (DST) following pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, according to a recent statement from the White House. The tax, which was originally slated to target tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Google, had been a major sticking point in U.S.-Canada trade discussions. The White House claimed Canada “caved” to U.S. demands after months of negotiations, with Trump’s team arguing the tax unfairly targeted American firms. The Canadian government, however, framed the delay as a strategic move to preserve economic stability and avoid retaliatory tariffs. Critics within Canada argue that the government’s decision reflects a growing trend of yielding to U.S. economic influence, while others say the delay is pragmatic given ongoing global talks about a coordinated approach to taxing digital revenues. The issue remains contentious, and observers are watching closely to see whether Canada will revive th...

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Ontario’s “One Fare” Program Saves Transit Riders $1,600

 

The Ontario government is keeping costs down for public transit riders with the launch of the “One Fare” program, which will save riders an average of $1,600 each year. Beginning February 26, 2024, riders will pay only once as they transfer for free between the TTC and participating transit agencies in the Greater Toronto Area, including GO Transit.

The One Fare program, announced earlier this year, allows passengers to transfer between a number of different transit systems in Ontario but only pay once. Under this program, commuters can transfer between the TTC and GO Transit, as well as regional transit systems like Brampton Transit, Durham Region Transit, MiWay, and York Region Transit.

How Does It Work?

  • When transferring between the TTC and GO Transit, your TTC fare will be free.
  • When you transfer between the TTC and other local transit systems, your second fare will be free.
  • Simply tap your PRESTO card to automatically receive the discount. It’s akin to the free two-hour transfers already in effect on the TTC.
  • Your transfer remains valid for two hours if you start your trip on a local transit system or three hours for trips originating on GO Transit.

Even if you forget your PRESTO card, the One Fare program has got you covered. Passengers can still benefit when paying using credit or debit. For frequent commuters, this program could save an average of $1,600 annually—a welcome change for many Toronto residents.

The introduction of the One Fare program aligns with Metrolinx’s long-term strategy for sustainability and improved public transit service in the province. As Toronto navigates this fare revolution, commuters can breathe a sigh of relief—and perhaps even pocket some extra change for their morning coffee. 

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