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Dalai Lama Asserts Sole Authority Over Reincarnation Amid China’s Claims

In a landmark declaration just days before his 90th birthday, the Dalai Lama has reaffirmed that the centuries-old Tibetan Buddhist institution will continue after his death—and that his reincarnation will be determined solely by the Gaden Phodrang Trust , a foundation he established. This move directly challenges China’s long-standing assertion that it holds the final say in selecting the next Dalai Lama. Speaking in a pre-recorded message during a religious gathering in Dharamshala, India, the exiled spiritual leader stated that no external political power, including China, has any authority  to interfere in the reincarnation process. He emphasized that the search for his successor will follow traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices and be overseen by senior monks and spiritual advisors connected to the Trust. China swiftly responded, insisting that any reincarnation must be approved by Beijing and conducted within Chinese-administered Tibetan regions. Officials cited a Qing dynas...

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Mixed Reactions as Federal Government’s GST Holiday Takes Effect

 

The federal government’s two-month GST holiday, which began on Saturday, has elicited mixed reactions from both businesses and shoppers across Canada. The temporary tax break, aimed at easing affordability concerns during the holiday season, waives the five percent goods and services tax on a range of items including restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and toys.

Businesses Struggle with Compliance

Many businesses have found the implementation of the GST holiday to be an administrative burden. Patrick Neault, general manager of Raffin Bookstore in Montreal, mentioned that his staff had to work extra hours to ensure compliance with the new regulations. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s like a few percent discount on a transaction,” Neault said, expressing doubt about whether the benefits outweigh the extra work.

Shoppers Show Limited Enthusiasm

Shoppers have also shown lukewarm enthusiasm for the tax break. While some, like Katrina Rose from Halifax, took advantage of the savings on holiday purchases, others, like Jennifer Matthew, felt the savings were too minimal to make a significant impact. “I don’t think it’s going to put a big dent in my wallet by any means,” Matthew said.

Conclusion

As the GST holiday continues until February 15, 2025, businesses and shoppers alike are cautiously optimistic about its potential benefits. While some appreciate the temporary relief, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.




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