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U.S. Threatens Harsher Economic Pressure on Iran as Mediators Rush to Secure Second Ceasefire Talks

  A woman walks past a digital screen displaying news of US-Iran peace talks along a road in Islamabad on April 10, 2026 The United States has warned it will step up economic pressure on Iran while mediators race to arrange a second round of ceasefire talks before the fragile truce expires on April 22, 2026 — a standoff that risks higher oil prices, tighter global markets, and direct costs for Canadian households and investors.   Background and diplomatic timeline A two‑week ceasefire that paused nearly seven weeks of fighting was brokered to create a narrow diplomatic window for talks between Washington and Tehran. The first round of face‑to‑face negotiations in Islamabad lasted more than 20 hours but ended without an agreement, leaving the truce set to expire on April 22, 2026 unless mediators secure a follow‑up session.  Mediators led by Pakistan, with active roles from Turkey, Egypt and other regional actors, have been shuttling between capitals to bridge the remaini...

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Liberals' GST Break Expected to Pass Today

 

Legislation to create a two-month-long GST holiday is expected to pass today in the House of Commons. The bill, introduced by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, aims to provide temporary relief to Canadians by eliminating the GST on a variety of holiday essentials from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025. 

The GST holiday will cover items such as children's clothes and toys, video games and consoles, Christmas trees, restaurant and catered meals, wine, beer, candy, and snacks. The government estimates that a family spending $2,000 on these items could save between $100 and $260, depending on the province.

The NDP has agreed to support the bill after Freeland separated the GST break from a proposed $250 rebate for working Canadians, which the NDP wants expanded to include non-working seniors and people with disabilities. The bill is expected to pass with the help of the NDP, despite opposition from the Conservatives, who have criticized the GST break as a "cheap gimmick".



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