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Europe Grinds to a Halt as Deep Freeze Triggers Massive Travel Disruptions

                                                   KLM scraps 600 flights in Amsterdam on Wednesday as snow continues A powerful cold snap sweeping across Europe has forced widespread cancellations of flights and trains, with conditions expected to worsen through Wednesday. Heavy snowfall, freezing temperatures, and hazardous travel conditions have already caused days of disruption across the continent, and authorities warn that the situation may deteriorate further. Severe Weather Shuts Down Air Travel Dutch carrier KLM announced it will cancel 600 flights at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Wednesday as it struggles with persistent snow and freezing conditions. Schiphol, one of Europe’s busiest hubs, has been heavily affected since Friday, with thousands of flights disrupted and de‑icing operations running around the clock. Officia...

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Mixed Reactions as Federal Government’s GST Holiday Takes Effect

 

The federal government’s two-month GST holiday, which began on Saturday, has elicited mixed reactions from both businesses and shoppers across Canada. The temporary tax break, aimed at easing affordability concerns during the holiday season, waives the five percent goods and services tax on a range of items including restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and toys.

Businesses Struggle with Compliance

Many businesses have found the implementation of the GST holiday to be an administrative burden. Patrick Neault, general manager of Raffin Bookstore in Montreal, mentioned that his staff had to work extra hours to ensure compliance with the new regulations. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s like a few percent discount on a transaction,” Neault said, expressing doubt about whether the benefits outweigh the extra work.

Shoppers Show Limited Enthusiasm

Shoppers have also shown lukewarm enthusiasm for the tax break. While some, like Katrina Rose from Halifax, took advantage of the savings on holiday purchases, others, like Jennifer Matthew, felt the savings were too minimal to make a significant impact. “I don’t think it’s going to put a big dent in my wallet by any means,” Matthew said.

Conclusion

As the GST holiday continues until February 15, 2025, businesses and shoppers alike are cautiously optimistic about its potential benefits. While some appreciate the temporary relief, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.




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