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The U.S. Is Banning Canadian Booze on Sept. 29 — Here's What It Means for Ontario's $1-Billion Industry

  LCBO shelves have been missing American bourbon and Napa wine since March 2025. In three weeks, the trade war flips direction — and this time it's Canadian producers, and the roughly 20,000 Ontarians who work for them, absorbing the hit. What's actually changing on Sept. 29 On Sept. 8, President Trump signed proclamations that ban a wide range of Canadian alcohol from entering the United States, effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 29. It's a different kind of measure than the tariffs Canadians have gotten used to reading about this year — this isn't a price increase, it's a door closed. Packaged beer, wine, cider, and spirits (including whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal) are covered, alongside whey products, molasses, non-alcoholic beer, and larger motorcycles. Canadian alcohol previously imported but not yet cleared for consumption before Sept. 29 stays under the existing 50% duty instead of the outright ban. The White House's proclamation points ...
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Gaza Ceasefire Plan: A High-Stakes Gamble for Survival

 

For the leaders of both Hamas and Israel, ending the war in Gaza has become a deadly game of survival. The terms on which the war finally ends could largely determine their political future and their grip on power. Let’s delve into the complexities of this high-stakes situation.

The Stakes

Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar’s Dilemma

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar faces a precarious situation. His physical survival is at risk, and this vulnerability has hindered previous negotiations. The question of how to permanently end the fighting has been deferred until the last stages of the plan outlined by US President Joe Biden. Sinwar knows that any misstep could cost him dearly.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Calculated Approach

Netanyahu, too, treads carefully. Phase one of the plan involves the release of hostages—both living and dead. While this move would be welcomed by many, Netanyahu must ensure that Hamas won’t restart the war once the hostages are home. His coalition partners demand a tough stance against Hamas, but he also faces a corruption trial and the prospect of early elections.

The Chasm and the Way Forward

Permanent Ceasefire Guarantees vs. Keeping Options Open

Hamas leaders seek permanent ceasefire guarantees upfront. Previous deals collapsed due to this chasm. Netanyahu, however, wants to keep his long-term options open. Bridging this gap depends on his maneuvering room with hard-right government allies and Hamas leaders’ willingness to consider alternatives to Hamas’s “elimination.”

The Missing Leaders

While Hamas has suffered military losses, its top leaders—Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif—remain unscathed. Their fate remains critical. If Israel leaves them free in Gaza, it could spell political disaster for Netanyahu.

In this deadly game of survival, both sides weigh their moves carefully. The world watches as they navigate treacherous waters, hoping for a lasting resolution that doesn’t come at the cost of more lives.



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