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Trump Pressures Tehran to Move Quickly on U.S. Ceasefire Proposal

A person stands next to the remnant of an Iranian missile, in Beitin village near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Iran to act swiftly on a proposed ceasefire plan aimed at ending nearly four weeks of intense conflict across the Middle East. His remarks came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran is reviewing the U.S. proposal but is not engaged in direct negotiations, insisting that current exchanges through intermediaries do not constitute formal dialogue.  Indirect communication between the two countries is reportedly being facilitated by Pakistan, with additional support from Turkey and Egypt. Despite this, Iranian officials maintain a firm stance, emphasizing continued resistance and rejecting the notion of active talks.  Trump, however, has publicly claimed that Iranian leaders are eager for a deal, asserting that they are under immense pressure both domestically and militarily. He warned Tehran...
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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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