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Susie Wiles’ Revelations Expose Tensions in Trump’s Inner Circle

                                               Susie Wiles is the first woman to serve as White House chief of staff White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles has offered a rare, candid glimpse into the internal strains of President Donald Trump’s administration , speaking openly in a series of interviews with author Chris Whipple. Wiles, the first woman to serve as Trump’s chief of staff, described the challenges of managing strong personalities and the often turbulent dynamics within the West Wing. Across more than ten interviews, Wiles painted a picture of an administration marked by conflict over immigration enforcement, government downsizing, and the president’s governing style . She characterized Trump as having “an alcoholic’s personality,” despite being a lifelong teetotaler, explaining that he operates with a sense of boundless confidence and...

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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.


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