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Wall Street Steadies as Trump Softens China Rhetoric, Banks Rebound

U.S. stocks swung between losses and gains on Friday before finding some footing, as President Donald Trump dialed back threats of steep new tariffs on Chinese imports. His remarks helped ease investor concerns over an escalating trade conflict that had rattled markets earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average edged higher, while the S&P 500 hovered near the flatline. The Nasdaq Composite pared earlier declines, supported by a rebound in technology shares. Futures trading showed modest gains for the Dow and S&P 500, while Nasdaq contracts remained slightly negative. Regional bank stocks, which had been under pressure amid worries about loan quality and credit risks, also staged a recovery. Analysts noted that while investor sentiment remains fragile, Trump’s comments signaled a willingness to avoid measures that could further destabilize the global economy. Market watchers say volatility is likely to persist as Wall Street weighs trade policy uncertainty agai...

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Federal government unveils new dental insurance plan for low- and middle-income Canadians

 

The federal government has announced the details of its new dental insurance plan, which will offer dental benefits to low- and middle-income Canadians who do not have private insurance.

The plan, which was a condition of the Liberals’ supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP, will be phased in gradually over 2024, starting with seniors over the age of 87, then children under 18 and people with disabilities, and finally all eligible Canadians in 2025.

The program will cover preventive teeth cleanings, treatments and removable dentures, and will be administered by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. The government expects the plan to benefit about 9 million people and cost $13 billion over the first five years.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000 and no private insurance. The government will check the criteria against tax filings and require employers to report on dental coverage. People who do not file their income taxes will not have access to the program.

The government said the plan will complement existing federal and provincial dental health benefits, but it is still negotiating with individual provinces on which program will be the primary payer.

The Liberals said the plan is part of their commitment to build a more inclusive and fair society, and to address the oral health needs of millions of Canadians who cannot afford dental care.

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