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Europe Rejects U.S. Peace Framework Demanding Ukrainian Concessions

Ukraine suffered one of the worst Russian attacks in months when drones and missiles hit Ternopil.  European leaders have firmly rejected a U.S.-backed peace proposal that would require Ukraine to surrender territory and scale back its military capabilities. The plan, reportedly drafted by Washington and discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has been described by European officials as tantamount to forcing Kyiv into capitulation. According to reports, the framework envisions Ukraine giving up land to Russia and partially disarming its armed forces. This approach has sparked alarm across Europe, where officials insist that any peace plan must respect Ukraine’s sovereignty and involve both Kyiv and European partners in negotiations. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that “for any plan to work, it needs Ukrainians and Europeans on board,” underscoring the bloc’s position that decisions about Ukraine’s future cannot be made without its direct involvement. German...
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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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