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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures. The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of l...

Canada’s Federal Minimum Wage Increases: What You Should Know

 

Canada’s federal minimum wage has taken a significant leap today, rising from $16.65 to $17.30 per hour. This adjustment reflects the 3.9% increase in Canada’s annual average Consumer Price Index for 2023 and is aligned with inflation.

For many Canadian workers, this wage hike is a welcome change. It means that approximately 30,000 employees in the federally regulated private sector will benefit from this raise. Whether you’re working part-time, temporarily, or in a low-wage job, this increase aims to provide a real and fair chance at success.

Employers must adjust their payroll information accordingly to ensure that all employees, including interns, receive the correct hourly wage starting today. If the provincial or territorial minimum wage rate exceeds the federal rate, employers must pay the higher of the two. So, businesses across Canada need to stay informed and comply with these new wage standards.

While some may argue that it’s not enough, this increase is a step toward creating a more equitable workforce. The Government of Canada is committed to ensuring that federally regulated workplaces are fair, inclusive, and safe. Initiatives like the Pay Equity Act, job protections for gig workers, and reporting salary data contribute to this ongoing effort.

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