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Best Ever Beef Stew

  If you’re looking for the ultimate beef stew, the “Best Ever Beef Stew” recipe is a standout choice. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with tender beef, carrots, mushrooms, and potatoes simmered in a flavorful wine-based broth. Why This Recipe Stands Out Deep flavor base: Browning the beef and vegetables builds a savory foundation. Wine & tomato paste: Adds richness and complexity to the broth. Balanced texture: Tender beef, soft potatoes, and earthy mushrooms make every bite satisfying. Quick cooking: Ready in about 1.5 hours, faster than many traditional stews.  Key Ingredients 2 lbs top sirloin steak (or stew beef) Onion, carrots, celery, garlic Cremini mushrooms Tomato paste & flour (for thickening) Dry red wine & beef stock Fresh thyme & bay leaves Russet potato Fresh parsley for garnish Cooking Method Brown the beef in olive oil for flavor. Sauté vegetables (onion, carrots, celery, garlic, mushrooms). Add flour & tomato pas...

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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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