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Canada and China Strike New Trade Deal Linking EVs and Canola

Prime Minister Mark Carney meets with President of China Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026.  Canada and China have reached a new tariff agreement that ties together two major sectors: electric vehicles and agricultural exports. The deal marks a notable shift in the countries’ economic relationship after years of tension. Under the arrangement, Canada will permit up to 49,000 Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter the market at the standard tariff rate. In return, China will reduce duties on Canadian canola seed to 15% by March and eliminate tariffs on canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas for the remainder of the year. Canadian officials describe the agreement as a pragmatic step toward stabilizing ties and expanding trade opportunities. The move could reshape Canada’s EV market by introducing more competitively priced Chinese models, while also restoring valuable access for Canadian farmers to one of their most important ...

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Battle Against the Flames: Aftermath of the Major Wildfire Near Athens

 

In the wake of a devastating wildfire that swept through the northern fringes of Athens, Greece, authorities and firefighters are grappling with the aftermath. Here’s what we know:

  • The Blaze: The wildfire, which began on Sunday afternoon, quickly escalated due to strong winds and tinder-dry pine forests. These conditions were exacerbated by the scorching summer temperatures, making it an exceptionally dangerous fire.

  • Evacuations: Hospitals, residential suburbs, and even monasteries were evacuated as the flames advanced. A children’s hospital, a military hospital, and a children’s home were among the facilities cleared. Evacuation orders were issued for more than a dozen areas, including Marathon and several Athens suburbs.

  • Emergency Response: Over 670 firefighters, backed by specialized wildfire teams and armed forces personnel, battled the flames. More than 180 vehicles were deployed, along with 30 water-dropping planes and helicopters providing aerial support.

  • Human Impact: Two firefighters sustained minor injuries, and several civilians were treated for smoke inhalation. Police officers heroically carried elderly residents to safety, their efforts captured against a backdrop of a night sky turned red from the flames.

  • Environmental Toll: The fire ravaged pine forests that had already suffered from repeated heat waves during the summer. Greece experienced its hottest June and July ever recorded, following the warmest winter.

As the dust settles, the scars left by this wildfire serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for climate resilience and effective disaster management. The battle against the flames continues, but the community’s resilience shines through as they come together to rebuild and protect their beloved landscape.


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