Global National: Dec. 14, 2024 | ‘GST Holiday’ officially begins in Canada

Summary

This news segment covers a range of current global and national events. In Canada, a new GST holiday tax break offers savings to consumers while small businesses face challenges. Meanwhile, South Korea grapples with political turmoil as President Yun faces impeachment, and the debate over Daylight Saving Time gains momentum in the U.S. The economic fallout of climate change is highlighted in Jamaica, where farmers are still recovering from Hurricane Barrel. Additionally, a BC medical team returns from Africa, where they performed life-changing surgeries on children with cleft lips and palates. The broadcast highlights ongoing social, political, and environmental issues, sparking discussions on responsibility and change.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Canadian government's holiday tax break, which waives the 5% GST on select products, is in effect until February 15th, offering savings for Canadians, especially on essentials like groceries and children's items.
• 😀 While many Canadians welcome the savings, some small businesses face additional pressure during the busy holiday season, and shoppers may not notice significant price drops due to the limited scope of the tax break.
• 😀 A union representing postal workers criticizes the Canadian government's decision to intervene in the Canada Post strike, which is set to end soon, raising concerns about employer negotiation tactics.
• 😀 A major windstorm in British Columbia has caused extensive damage, with power outages affecting over 200,000 people and a mudslide blocking a major highway.
• 😀 Canadian political leaders are considering retaliatory measures against U.S. tariffs, with some provinces, like New Brunswick, seeking new customers for exports rather than cutting off energy supplies to the U.S.
• 😀 U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's push to end Daylight Saving Time could influence Canadian policy due to the economic and political interconnectivity between the two countries.
• 😀 South Korea's president faces impeachment after his controversial attempt to impose martial law, with lawmakers voting to proceed with impeachment, though the situation remains politically divided.
• 😀 The U.S. Secretary of State confirmed that the Biden administration has been in direct contact with a Syrian rebel group, despite the group being designated as a terrorist organization by both the U.S. and Canada.
• 😀 Farmers in Jamaica continue to suffer from the aftermath of Hurricane Barrel, which devastated crops and communities in July, with additional damage caused by subsequent storms, exacerbating food insecurity and price hikes.
• 😀 Operation Rainbow Canada’s medical mission in Kenya brought much-needed surgeries to children with cleft lips and palates, making a significant difference in their lives and offering them new opportunities for a better future.

Q & A

What is the federal government's GST holiday, and how will it impact Canadian taxpayers?

The federal government's GST holiday waives the 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on select products from December 14th until February 15th. This tax break is aimed at providing savings for Canadians, especially on essentials like groceries, clothing, and toys, and is expected to save consumers between $100 to $300, depending on their spending.

How are small businesses in Canada reacting to the GST holiday?

Small businesses are facing added pressure during the busy holiday season, but they also stand to benefit from the increase in sales due to the tax break. The savings from the GST holiday could help businesses cover bills, pay down debt, and maintain jobs, although some business owners note that the savings may not be immediately noticeable to consumers.

What is the significance of the Canada Post strike and the government's intervention?

The Canada Post strike, which has lasted for nearly a month, disrupted deliveries across the country at a critical time. The government intervened by asking the Canada Industrial Relations Board to order postal workers back to work. This temporary solution aims to resolve the issue quickly and minimize further disruption.

What are the consequences of the Windstorm that hit BC's South Coast?

The Windstorm in BC's South Coast caused significant damage, with winds gusting over 100 km/h. Over 200,000 people lost power, and several homes were damaged by falling trees. A mudslide on Highway 99 blocked roads in both directions, further complicating the situation.

What is the current political situation in South Korea, particularly regarding President Yun?

South Korean lawmakers voted to impeach President Yun over his attempt to declare martial law, which sparked nationwide protests. Despite surviving a previous impeachment attempt, Yun faces a trial in the Constitutional Court, which could lead to the country holding elections if he is found guilty.

How do Canadian politicians view Donald Trump's potential decision to end Daylight Saving Time?

The potential end of Daylight Saving Time under Donald Trump's second term in office could have significant implications for Canada, given the close relationship between the two countries. While Trump has called for the practice to be eliminated, Canadian political leaders may follow suit, especially with public support for keeping Standard Time year-round.

What is the situation in Jamaica following Hurricane Barrel, and how are local farmers coping?

Jamaican farmers, especially those in the southern part of the country, are still struggling after Hurricane Barrel in July and another round of tropical storms in October. These extreme weather events caused widespread damage, wiping out crops and fishing villages. Many farmers are unable to recover, and there is a growing debate on who should be held accountable for the costs associated with climate change.

What stance has New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt taken on Donald Trump's proposed tariffs?

New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has vowed to find new customers for the province’s exports if Donald Trump imposes tariffs. Holt emphasized that cutting off access to New Brunswick's energy or lumber exports would harm the province, suggesting that retaliation should focus on tariffs rather than restricting trade.

How does the global community view the issue of responsibility for climate change-induced disasters?

The international debate on climate change-induced disasters revolves around the responsibility of major polluting countries. Some argue that the biggest emitters, like the US, should bear the costs of damages caused by extreme weather events, while others, including Canada, believe that each country should take responsibility for tackling climate change on its own.

What medical mission was recently carried out by doctors from British Columbia in Africa?

A group of doctors and medical professionals from British Columbia, under the organization Operation Rainbow Canada, recently completed a medical mission in Kenya, providing free surgeries for children with cleft lips and palates. This mission, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, aimed to improve the lives of local children by offering life-changing surgeries.