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Auto Sector Pushes Back as Carney’s China Tariff Deal Raises Competitiveness Fears

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new tariff‑quota agreement with China is triggering strong pushback from Canada’s auto industry, which warns the deal could weaken the sector’s competitive footing at a critical moment. The agreement allows nearly 50,000 Chinese‑made electric vehicles to enter Canada each year at a sharply reduced tariff rate, far below the steep duties currently in place. Agricultural groups have welcomed the deal, noting that it restores access to China’s massive market for key Canadian exports such as canola and seafood. But auto‑sector leaders argue the benefits come at a steep cost. They fear the influx of low‑priced Chinese EVs could undercut domestic manufacturers, discourage future investment, and strain Canada’s relationship with the United States — a country taking a much harder line against Chinese electric vehicles. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and several industry associations have voiced concern that the agreement risks destabilizing the integrated North Ameri...

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Tragedy Strikes During Hajj Pilgrimage: Over 300 Egyptians Succumb to Heat

 

At least 323 Egyptian pilgrims tragically lost their lives during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in western Saudi Arabia. The majority of these deaths were attributed to heat-related illnesses, according to two Arab diplomats coordinating their countries’ responses.

The Hajj, one of the five pillars of Islam, draws millions of pilgrims from around the world to Mecca. However, this year’s pilgrimage faced extreme temperatures, with the area where rituals are performed experiencing a rise of 0.4 degrees Celsius (0.72 degrees Fahrenheit) per decade due to climate change.

Among the deceased, 60 Jordanian pilgrims also succumbed to the heat. Tragically, many of the Egyptian casualties were unregistered pilgrims attempting to save money by avoiding official visas. These off-the-books pilgrims lacked access to air-conditioned facilities provided by Saudi authorities along the Hajj route.

The total death toll reported by various countries has reached 577, highlighting the severity of this heartbreaking event. Other nations, including Indonesia, Iran, and Senegal, have also reported fatalities during this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

As we mourn the loss of these lives, it serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by climate change and the need for better safety measures during religious pilgrimages.


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