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Channel Tunnel Chaos Enters Day Two as Power Fault Drags On

The disruption, caused by a fault in the system's overhead power supply, on Tuesday upended plans for thousands of passengers in London, Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam. Rail passengers travelling between the UK and mainland Europe are enduring a second day of major disruption after a power failure shut down the Channel Tunnel, halting both Eurostar and LeShuttle services. The fault, linked to the overhead power supply, brought traffic to a standstill and left thousands of travellers stranded on both sides of the Channel. Although some services have begun to move again, operators warn that delays and cancellations will continue while engineers work to stabilise the system. Eurostar has urged passengers to avoid travelling unless essential, as many trains remain suspended or heavily delayed. LeShuttle customers are also facing long queues, with significant backlogs reported at both Folkestone and Calais. The timing has added to the frustration, hitting one of the busiest travel per...

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“Me-cession”: When the Economy Grows, but Households Struggle

 

In a peculiar economic moment, Canada finds itself in what some economists are calling a “me-cession.” While the country’s overall economy continues to grow, individual households are facing challenges that make it feel like a recession for many Canadians.

Traditionally, economists define a recession as two consecutive quarters of negative growth in real gross domestic product (GDP), often accompanied by rising unemployment. However, Canada has managed to avoid a technical recession, even though its growth has been sluggish. So, what exactly is this “me-cession”?

Understanding the “Me-cession”

  • Not Just Numbers: The term “me-cession” reflects the disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and the everyday experiences of Canadians. While GDP numbers may look positive, households are feeling the pinch.
  • Stagnant Wages: Despite economic growth, wages have remained stagnant for many workers. As costs of living rise, families find it harder to make ends meet.
  • Financial Stress: Polling data shows that 46% of Canadians are losing sleep over their finances. People are cutting back on dining out, delaying large purchases, and even putting off moving to cope with financial stress.
  • Consumer Behavior: Businesses report consumers paring back spending, and households express feeling stressed. This behavioral shift contributes to the “me-cession” sentiment.

In summary, the “me-cession” highlights the gap between economic statistics and the lived experiences of Canadians. While the economy stays afloat, many households struggle to get ahead. It’s a reminder that economic well-being isn’t just about national GDP; it’s about the financial health of individuals and families.


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