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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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GM's Oshawa Plant to Reduce Shifts Amid U.S. Tariff Concerns


General Motors is set to scale back operations at its Oshawa Assembly Plant this fall, moving from a three-shift system to two shifts. The decision, according to Unifor, the union representing workers, is a direct response to U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian-built vehicles.

Unifor National President Lana Payne criticized the move, calling it "reckless" and warning that it could have widespread consequences for the auto parts supplier network. The union has urged GM to reconsider its decision, arguing that Canadian jobs should not be sacrificed for political favor.

The shift reduction follows the U.S. government's imposition of a 25% tariff on Canadian-made vehicles in March, a policy that has significantly impacted the Canadian auto industry. GM has stated that it plans to recalibrate the Oshawa plant to focus more on Canadian sales rather than exports to the U.S..

With thousands of jobs potentially affected, Unifor is calling on the Canadian government to take swift action to protect domestic auto manufacturing. The union has also demanded that GM uphold its commitments to Canadian workers and production.

The Oshawa plant, which assembles Chevrolet Silverado trucks, was reopened after significant investments from federal and provincial governments. Now, with the looming shift cuts, workers and industry leaders alike are watching closely to see how GM and policymakers respond.

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