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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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Trump's Tariff Tango: A Chaotic Dance of Trade Policies

The Trump administration's tariff plans have left many scratching their heads. With a schedule that seems to shift as often as the wind, businesses and governments alike are struggling to keep up. The latest development involves a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, set to take effect on March 4. This move, according to President Trump, is aimed at combating the flow of fentanyl into the United States, despite evidence suggesting that Canada is not a significant source of the drug.

Adding to the confusion, Trump has also announced reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners, scheduled for April 2. These overlapping deadlines and mixed messages have created uncertainty in international trade, a hallmark of Trump's policy approach.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has vowed to retaliate with tariffs on American goods if these measures proceed. Meanwhile, businesses on both sides of the border are bracing for economic turbulence.

The ever-changing nature of these tariffs underscores the unpredictability of the current trade landscape. As deadlines loom, the world watches to see how this high-stakes game of economic brinkmanship will unfold.

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