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Your daily horoscope: July 1, 2025

  The more friends and relatives and colleagues try to persuade you that this way or that way of doing things is best the more you will need to shut them out of your mind and make your own decisions. The only voice that matters is your inner voice. Aries (March 21 - April 20): There is a lot of dead wood in your life at the moment and a big clean-out is needed. Start by getting rid of a few so-called friendships that are pretty much one-way traffic when it comes to who profits from them. They profit and you pay. Taurus (April 21 - May 21): If your workload is getting on top of you then it is time to make changes. Refuse to take on any more chores and responsibilities and start offloading some of those you already have on friends and colleagues who are clearly not pulling their weight. Gemini (May 22 - June 21): You need to get serious about something of a creative or artistic nature, especially if you are the sort of Gemini who has half a dozen activities on the go at the same time...

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Ontario’s 2025 Budget: Navigating Tariffs, Housing, and Economic Uncertainty

The Ontario government has unveiled its 2025 budget, outlining a plan to tackle economic challenges, including the impact of U.S. tariffs and a growing deficit. Here are six key takeaways:

1. Tariff Relief Measures – With U.S. trade policies weighing on Ontario’s economy, the government has introduced a $5 billion Protecting Ontario Account to support businesses affected by tariffs. Additionally, tax deferrals and grants aim to provide relief to struggling industries.

2. Housing Initiatives – The budget reaffirms Ontario’s commitment to increasing housing supply, with investments in factory-built housing and infrastructure to accelerate construction. However, housing starts are projected to decline in 2025, raising concerns about affordability.

3. Infrastructure Spending – Ontario is investing heavily in transportation, with $30 billion allocated for highway expansion and rehabilitation, alongside $61 billion for public transit projects. These investments aim to improve mobility and support economic growth.

4. Healthcare and Education – The province is dedicating $56 billion to new hospitals and health infrastructure, along with $30 billion for schools and childcare spaces. Additionally, $280 million will fund private-sector health clinics to reduce wait times for diagnostic tests and surgeries.

5. Support for Northern and Indigenous Communities – The budget includes a $500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund to boost mining and resource development in Northern Ontario. Indigenous communities will benefit from expanded financing programs and scholarships for careers in resource industries.

6. Deficit and Economic Outlook – Ontario’s deficit is projected to reach $14.6 billion in 2025-26, with economic growth slowing to 0.8%. The government remains optimistic about long-term recovery but faces criticism for prioritizing tax cuts and business incentives over direct relief for families.

As Ontario navigates economic uncertainty, the budget aims to balance investment with fiscal responsibility. However, opposition leaders argue that more direct support is needed to address affordability and public service challenges.

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