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Storm Wipha Triggers Fatal Boat Accident in Vietnam’s Halong Bay

  A tourist boat carrying 53 people, including five crew members, tragically capsized in Halong Bay on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of three individuals. The incident occurred around 2 p.m. local time, shortly after Storm Wipha swept into the South China Sea, unleashing strong winds, torrential rain, and lightning. Rescue teams have recovered three bodies and successfully located 12 survivors, according to reports from local border guards. The nationalities of the passengers have not yet been disclosed, and search operations remain ongoing amid challenging weather conditions. Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site located approximately 200 kilometers northeast of Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its limestone islands and scenic boat tours. The storm has also disrupted air travel, with several flights diverted or grounded at Noi Bai Airport due to adverse weather. Authorities continue to monitor Storm Wipha, which is expected to ma...

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Trudeau Faces Pressure to Expand $250 Rebate Beyond Working Canadians

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau remains firm on his plan to provide a $250 rebate to "hardworking Canadians," despite mounting pressure from opposition parties to extend the benefit to seniors and individuals unable to work. The rebate is part of a broader affordability package announced by the Liberals, which also includes a temporary cut to the federal sales tax on popular holiday items.

During a recent announcement on Prince Edward Island, Trudeau was questioned about the possibility of expanding the rebate to non-working seniors and people with disabilities. He reiterated that the measure is intended to support working Canadians who need extra assistance, while also mentioning that the government is exploring other ways to help those who do not qualify for the rebate.

The opposition, including the NDP and Bloc Québécois, has been vocal in their demands for a more inclusive approach. They argue that the rebate should also benefit seniors and people with disabilities, who are equally in need of financial support. However, Trudeau has not introduced legislation to enact the rebate, and it remains uncertain whether he will secure the necessary support from the opposition to pass it.

The GST holiday bill, which temporarily eliminates the federal sales tax on a range of items, passed in the House of Commons with the help of the NDP and is awaiting approval from the Senate. This measure is expected to provide some relief to Canadians during the holiday season, but the debate over the rebate's scope continues to be a contentious issue.

As the government navigates these challenges, Trudeau's stance on the rebate underscores his commitment to recognizing the efforts of working Canadians, while also highlighting the ongoing discussions about how best to support all citizens in need.

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