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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.
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Montreal Dockworkers Reject Final Offer, Lockout Declared

 

In a significant development, the Montreal Longshoremen’s Union has overwhelmingly rejected the final offer from the Maritime Employers Association (MEA), leading to an immediate lockout. The union, representing approximately 1,200 dockworkers, voted 99.7% against the proposed contract, citing the employer’s refusal to negotiate in good faith.

The MEA expressed disappointment over the outcome, stating that the lockout was unavoidable due to the union’s stance. Essential services and activities unrelated to dockworkers will continue at the port, but the lockout is expected to have substantial economic repercussions, given the Port of Montreal’s role as Canada’s second-largest port, handling nearly $400 million in goods daily.

Union advisor Michel Murray criticized the MEA’s approach, emphasizing that the offer did not address the union’s demands and that the conflict could have been avoided with proper negotiations. The federal labour minister has been urged to intervene to mitigate the economic impact of the lockout.

This lockout adds to the ongoing labor disputes at Canada’s major ports, with workers at the Port of Vancouver also locked out due to a separate contract dispute.


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