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Avi Lewis Wins Federal NDP Leadership in First-Ballot Victory

Avi Lewis, who was proclaimed as the new leader of the NDP, speaks at the party convention in Winnipeg Sunday, March 29, 2026. Filmmaker and longtime activist Avi Lewis has been elected the new leader of the federal New Democratic Party , securing a decisive first‑ballot win with nearly 40,000 votes out of roughly 71,000 cast . His victory marks a significant shift for the party as grassroots members push for a more unapologetically left‑wing direction.  Lewis’s win signals renewed momentum for the NDP after a difficult federal election year. His campaign championed bold proposals—including expanding public ownership in key sectors—and emphasized rebuilding the party from the ground up. He inherits a party reduced to six seats in the House of Commons and facing internal tensions over energy policy, particularly from Alberta and Saskatchewan NDP leaders who warn his positions could harm workers in their provinces.  In his victory speech at the Winnipeg convention, Lewis call...
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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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