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Farmers’ Fury Erupts in Greece Over EU Subsidy Delays

                                         Protesting farmers push against riot police in Nikaia, near Larissa, Greece    Greek farmers clashed with police on Sunday in central and northern regions of the country as anger mounted over the delayed payment of European Union agricultural subsidies. The protests, centered around Nikaia near Larissa, saw hundreds of farmers blocking highways with tractors and demanding immediate government action. The unrest stems from an estimated €600 million shortfall in EU aid following a corruption scandal that has triggered investigations by the European Public Prosecutor’s Office. Authorities allege that some farmers falsified land and livestock ownership records to secure subsidies, leading to a freeze in payments while the probe continues. Police responded with tear gas and barricades as demonstrators attempted to...

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Canadian Bank Fees: A Costly Affair

 

In a recent eye-opening report by North Economics, it was revealed that Canadians are paying over $7.7 billion annually in ‘excess’ bank fees. This staggering figure has sparked concern as the federal government is already taking steps to mitigate bank fees.

The Alberta-based consultancy firm’s analysis showed that the fees charged by Canada’s Big Five banks—RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank—are significantly higher than those in the U.K. and Australia. The report highlights the disparity in charges for everyday banking services, including monthly account fees, non-sufficient funds, overdrafts, and ATM usage at other banks.

Alain de Bossart, the managing director of North Economics, compared the retail banking profits to deposits ratio of 2022 between Canadian and British banks. The findings suggest that the Big Five banks in Canada had an ‘excess’ income of $7.73 billion, which translates to roughly $250 per Canadian.

The Canadian Bankers Association responded by emphasizing the value and accessibility provided by the competitive banking system in Canada. They also mentioned that a significant percentage of Canadians do not pay any account fees.

This report has intensified the dialogue on bank fees in Canada, with many calling for a more consumer-friendly approach that aligns with global standards.

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