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Vancouver Budget Balances Books Without Tax Hike

Vancouver city council approved a 2026 budget, which includes a freeze on municipal property taxes. Vancouver City Council has approved a new budget that pledges no increase in property taxes, a move welcomed by many residents facing rising living costs. However, the financial plan comes with significant trade-offs: millions of dollars will be cut from arts programs, park services, and other community initiatives. City officials argue the budget reflects a commitment to fiscal responsibility while easing pressure on households. Critics, however, warn that reductions in cultural and recreational funding could erode the city’s vibrancy and limit access to public spaces. The decision highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing affordability with investment in community life. As Vancouver grows, the debate over how to fund essential services without raising taxes is likely to intensify.
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Tariff Shock Ripples: TSX Futures Plunge as Global Markets Sell Off


TSX futures joined a broader global selloff on Monday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, set to take effect Tuesday. The measures include a 25% levy on most Canadian goods—with energy products facing a lower 10% rate—and have spurred widespread investor anxiety about the potential for a full-blown trade war.

Early trading saw March futures on the S&P/TSX index drop by about 1.3%, as markets reacted swiftly to the news. The tariffs have unsettled investors, prompting a flight to safer assets such as the U.S. dollar and U.S. Treasuries, while equity positions were pared off amid fears that the tariffs could lead to higher inflation and slower economic growth. Global indices from Europe to Asia have also been pressured, with significant selloffs in major markets.

In response to Trump’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed swift retaliatory measures, unveiling plans for tariffs on roughly C$155 billion worth of U.S. goods. The escalation in trade tensions is likely to disrupt supply chains further, affecting sectors from automotive to energy, and could even pave the way for prolonged economic uncertainty.

Amid the turmoil, some corporate activity continues to move forward. For example, Brookfield Asset Management recently completed a $1.7 billion acquisition in the electric heat trace systems sector—a sign that while markets are volatile, business fundamentals continue to drive major transactions.

As investors digest the unfolding trade conflict, many caution that further tariff escalations could lead to a cascade of economic challenges, including increased consumer prices and potential recessions in affected regions.

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