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From Slopes to Shadows: The Rise and Fall of Ryan Wedding

Ryan James Wedding’s life reads like a cautionary tale of talent, ambition, and a descent into infamy. Once celebrated as a Canadian Olympian, he is now branded by U.S. authorities as one of the world’s most violent drug traffickers. Here’s a timeline tracing his dramatic transformation: Early Promise (2002) Wedding represented Canada at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics , competing in the men’s parallel giant slalom snowboarding event. Seen as a rising star, his athletic career was short-lived, with little public spotlight after the Games. First Legal Troubles (2000s–2010s) Reports suggest Wedding became entangled in criminal networks during the years following his Olympic appearance. By the early 2010s, he was linked to drug trafficking operations, allegedly building ties with the Sinaloa cartel . Alleged Cartel Leadership (2015–2020) In 2015 , Wedding fled authorities, beginning his life as a fugitive. U.S. investigators accuse him of running a billion-dollar cocaine...

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Canada to Unveil Budget Amid Fiscal Doubts

 

Canadian Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland is set to present the budget on Tuesday, but experts remain skeptical about the government’s fiscal targets. The recent surge in spending plans, particularly in housing, defense, and healthcare, has raised concerns about weakening government finances.

In last year’s Fall Economic Statement (FES), the government aimed to cap the fiscal 2023-24 budget deficit at C$40.1 billion ($29.12 billion), equivalent to about 1.4% of GDP. However, economists estimate that the deficit for the fiscal year ending March 31 could be around C$47 billion, primarily driven by government expenses.

Freeland acknowledges the need for investment in Canada’s current housing affordability crisis, exacerbated by a lack of supply and increased migration. The opposition Conservative Party has criticized the Liberal government for this situation, impacting Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s popularity.

The upcoming budget, scheduled for presentation to parliament on Tuesday at 4:00 p.m. EDT (2000 GMT), will likely force the government to consider new taxes. However, raising taxes in an inflationary environment could hinder business investments necessary for improving Canada’s productivity.

Despite these challenges, Canada’s sovereign debt remains highly rated globally, providing some stability amidst fiscal uncertainties.

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