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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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CRA 2025: New TFSA Limits, Adjusted Tax Brackets, and More!

 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced several key updates for 2025 that will impact taxpayers across the country. Here's a brief overview of the most notable changes:


New TFSA Limits

Starting January 1, 2025, Canadians will be able to contribute an additional $7,000 to their Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), bringing the total contribution room to $102,000 for those who have maximized their contributions since the program's inception in 2009. This increase is indexed to inflation and aims to provide more flexibility for savings and investment.


Adjusted Tax Brackets

In response to inflation, the CRA has adjusted the federal tax brackets for 2025. The new brackets are as follows:

  • 0 to $57,375: 15%
  • $57,375 to $114,750: 20.5%
  • $114,750 to $177,882: 26%
  • $177,882 to $253,414: 29%
  • Above $253,414: 33%

These adjustments are designed to ensure that taxpayers are not pushed into higher tax brackets solely due to inflation.


Other Updates

  • The basic personal amount (BPA) has been increased to $16,129, allowing individuals to earn this amount without paying federal income tax.
  • The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will see a 2.7% inflation adjustment, providing a slight increase in payments.

These changes reflect the CRA's ongoing efforts to adapt to economic conditions and support Canadians in managing their finances effectively.




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