Skip to main content

Featured

Lawyers Demand Justice After Quebec Teen’s Death

Lawyers representing the family of Nooran Rezayi , a 15-year-old boy fatally shot by police in Longueuil, Quebec, are calling for accountability after allegations of interference in the investigation. Rezayi was killed on September 21, 2025 , in a suburban neighborhood south of Montreal. Quebec’s police watchdog (BEI) has accused local officers of questioning witnesses and attempting to obtain video footage , actions that could compromise the independence of the probe. Lawyers for Rezayi’s family insist such interference cannot go unpunished. The family has filed a $2.2 million lawsuit against the Longueuil police and the city, claiming “unreasonable and disproportionate force” was used against the unarmed teen. His mother, Fahima Rezayi, has urged authorities to ensure accountability, stressing that “this must never happen again.” The case has sparked outrage and renewed calls for reform in Quebec’s policing system. Critics argue that protecting the watchdog’s independence is ess...

article

Understanding the New GST Cuts: What’s Included and What’s Not

 

The Canadian government has announced a temporary Goods and Services Tax (GST) break to help ease the financial burden on Canadians during the holiday season. This initiative, effective from December 14, 2024, to February 15, 2025, aims to provide significant relief by removing the GST/HST on a variety of essential items.

What’s Included in the GST Cuts?

The GST cuts will apply to a broad range of goods, making many everyday purchases more affordable. Here are the key items included:

  1. Groceries: While basic groceries are already GST-free, the new cuts extend to additional food and beverage items, including:

    • Alcoholic beverages (excluding spirits but including wine, beer, ciders, and spirit coolers up to 7% ABV) .
    • Restaurant meals and snacks .
  2. Children’s Essentials:

    • Clothing and footwear designed for children, including baby bibs, bunting blankets, and receiving blankets .
    • Diapers and children’s toys .
  3. Holiday Essentials:

    • Gifts, books, print newspapers, puzzles, and Christmas trees .

What’s Not Included?

Despite the extensive list of items covered, some goods remain subject to GST/HST. These include:

  • Luxury Items: High-end electronics, jewelry, and other luxury goods.
  • Non-Essential Services: Services such as spa treatments, gym memberships, and entertainment tickets.
  • Certain Alcoholic Beverages: Spirits and high-alcohol content beverages are excluded from the tax break .

This temporary GST relief is expected to save Canadians an estimated $1.6 billion over the two-month period, providing much-needed financial relief during a time of year when expenses typically rise .

By understanding what’s included and what’s not, Canadians can better plan their holiday spending and take full advantage of the savings offered by this initiative.


Comments