PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL
Hope all are well. Some of this is a bit late – it`s just a record of what I would want to talk about, if we were sitting having tea, as one once did !
with kind regards
(…)
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Budgetary Measures on Synthetic Equity Arrangements and International Tax, and Headlines
Budget 2024
Tax Measures: Supplementary Information
“ The Income Tax Act allows a corporation to deduct the amount of any dividends received on a share of a corporation resident in Canada, subject to certain limitations.
One of these limitations is an anti-avoidance rule that denies the dividend received deduction in respect of synthetic equity arrangements. Synthetic equity arrangements include agreements that provide all or substantially all of the risk of loss and opportunity for gain or profit (the “economic exposure”) in respect of a share to another person.
Where a taxpayer enters into a synthetic equity arrangement in respect of a share, the taxpayer is generally obligated to compensate the other person for the amount of any dividends paid on the share. This compensation payment may result in a tax deduction for the taxpayer in addition to the dividend received deduction. Unless the anti-avoidance rule applies to deny the dividend received deduction, a tax loss would generally arise as a result of the two deductions.
The anti-avoidance rule incorporates certain exceptions, including where the taxpayer establishes that no tax-indifferent investor has all or substantially all of the economic exposure in respect of the share. An associated exception is also available for synthetic equity arrangements traded on a derivatives exchange.
Budget 2024 proposes to remove the tax-indifferent investor exception (including the exchange traded exception) to the anti-avoidance rule. This measure would simplify the anti-avoidance rule and prevent taxpayers from claiming the dividend received deduction for dividends received on a share in respect of which there is a synthetic equity arrangement.
This measure would apply to dividends received on or after January 1, 2025.
[…]
International Tax Measures
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework and the Common Reporting Standard
Exchange of tax information between national revenue agencies is an important tool for combating offshore tax evasion. The Common Reporting Standard (CRS) is the global standard developed and endorsed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for the automatic exchange of financial information for tax purposes. Under Canada’s implementation of the CRS in the Income Tax Act, Canadian financial institutions report to the Canada Revenue Agency information on financial accounts held in Canada by non-residents. The Canada Revenue Agency shares this information with foreign tax authorities. In exchange, Canada receives information on financial accounts held by Canadian residents outside of Canada.
Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework
Since the implementation of the CRS, financial markets have continued to evolve. One major development is the emergence of crypto-assets (including stablecoins, derivatives issued in the form of a crypto-asset, and certain non-fungible tokens), which can be transferred or held without interacting with traditional financial intermediaries and do not need to be reported under the CRS. To ensure appropriate reporting, the OECD has developed a new framework (referred to as the Crypto-Asset Reporting Framework, or CARF) that provides for the automatic exchange of tax information in relation to transactions in crypto-assets.
Budget 2024 proposes to implement the CARF in Canada. The measure would impose a new annual reporting requirement in the Income Tax Act on entities and individuals (referred to as crypto-asset service providers) that are resident in Canada, or that carry on business in Canada, and that provide business services effectuating exchange transactions in crypto-assets. This would include crypto exchanges, crypto-asset brokers and dealers, and operators of crypto-asset automated teller machines.
Crypto-asset service providers would be required to report to the Canada Revenue Agency, in respect of each customer and in respect of each crypto-asset, the annual value of:
− exchanges between the crypto-asset and fiat currencies;
− exchanges for other crypto-assets; and
− transfers of the crypto-asset, including the requirement to report information in respect of a customer of a merchant where the crypto-asset service provider processes payments on behalf of the merchant and the customer has transferred crypto-assets to the merchant in exchange for goods or services with a value exceeding US$50,000.
Reportable crypto-assets would exclude central bank digital currencies and specified electronic money products (e.g., digital representations of fiat currencies), which would be reportable under the amendments to the CRS described below.
In addition to information on crypto-asset transactions, crypto-asset service providers would be required to obtain and report information on each of their customers, including name, address, date of birth, jurisdiction(s) of residence, and taxpayer identification numbers for each jurisdiction of residence. If a customer is a corporation or other legal entity, the same information would need to be collected and reported in respect of the natural persons who exercise control over the entity.
Reporting would be required with respect to both Canadian resident and non-resident customers.
Common Reporting Standard
Budget 2024 also proposes to implement amendments to the CRS that have been endorsed by the OECD in connection with the CARF. The changes would broaden the scope of the CRS to include specified electronic money products and central bank digital currencies which are not covered by the CARF. The amendments would also ensure effective coordination between the CRS and the CARF and limit instances of duplicative reporting between the two frameworks. Other changes would require that additional information be reported in respect of financial accounts and account holders and would strengthen the due diligence procedures financial institutions are required to follow.
In response to recommendations of the Global Forum on Transparency and Exchange of Information for Tax Purposes, Budget 2024 proposes two other changes to the CRS.
− First, the CRS would be amended to remove Labour-Sponsored Venture Capital Corporations (LSVCCs) from the list of non-reporting financial institutions and treat a non-registered account held in an LSVCC as an excluded account provided that annual contributions to the account do not exceed US$50,000. This would generally extend the same treatment to non-registered accounts currently available to registered accounts, e.g., Registered Retirement Savings Plans, which already qualify as excluded accounts. Due diligence and reporting requirements do not apply in respect of excluded accounts.
− Second, the anti-avoidance provision of the CRS would be amended to clarify that it applies when an individual or any entity enters into an arrangement or engages in a practice, if it can reasonably be considered that the primary purpose is to avoid an obligation of any person under the CRS.
Coming into Force
These measures would apply to the 2026 and subsequent calendar years. This would allow the first reporting and exchange of information under the CARF and amended CRS to take place in 2027 with respect to the 2026 calendar year.
Withholding for Non-Resident Service Providers
Existing income tax rules require a person who pays a non-resident for services provided in Canada to withhold 15 per cent of the payment and remit it to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). This acts as a pre-payment of any Canadian tax that the non-resident may ultimately owe. Canada generally taxes non-residents on their income from carrying on business in Canada. However, many non-resident service providers do not ultimately owe Canadian tax either because they do not have a permanent establishment in Canada under an applicable tax treaty, or because the service is international shipping or operating an aircraft in international traffic, both of which are generally exempt from Canadian tax.
Non-resident service providers with no Canadian tax liability may apply to the CRA for an advance waiver of the withholding requirement for a specific planned transaction. Alternatively, they may apply for a refund of the withheld amounts.
However, many non-resident service providers instead pass the cost of the withholding requirement on to the payors. This increases costs for Canadians.
Budget 2024 proposes to provide the CRA with the legislative authority to waive the withholding requirement, over a specified period, for payments to a non-resident service provider if either of the following conditions are met:
− the non-resident would not be subject to Canadian income tax in respect of the payments because of a tax treaty between its country of residence and Canada; or
− the income from providing the services is exempt income from international shipping or from operating an aircraft in international traffic.
This proposal would allow the CRA to waive the withholding requirement on multiple transactions with a single waiver, subject to any conditions and information requirements necessary to reduce compliance risks.
This measure would come into force on royal assent of the enacting legislation.“
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Recent News
New Edmonton shelter to open for growing number of unhoused refugees
“Hope Mission will offer specialized services for newcomers at a 100-bed shelter on the west end
Hope Mission has seen a 700 per cent increase in visitors, refugees and newcomers sleeping at the shelter. A new shelter opening this fall in west Edmonton will offer specialized services to a growing number of unhoused newcomers.“
How an ECA can help you immigrate to Canada | CIC News
“Many newcomers who want to immigrate to Canada will require some proof of their education level, and what equivalent it holds within the Canadian education system, to prove their eligibility.
This is where an education credential assessment (ECA) serves a critical function for newcomers, helping to contextualize a candidate’s educational achievements for the Canadian immigration system. However, ECA’s can also do much more than prove your eligibility for immigration.“
New Brunswick’s notwithstanding clause use could spur Supreme Court action
“New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs recently mused about invoking the notwithstanding clause — Section 33 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms — when his government introduces what it calls the Compassionate Intervention Act in May.
While the government has provided scant details, the new law would permit people with addictions to be detained involuntarily for forced treatment.“
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/federal-government-provincial-jurisdiction-freeland-1.7180496
Freeland defends budget measures, as premiers push back on federal involvement
Premiers criticize what they call lack of consultation on such issues as housing
“Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says she thinks unhappy premiers will come around on measures in the federal budget that touch on provincial legislation, even as they push back.
At an event in Toronto on Sunday, Freeland — who presented the federal budget on Tuesday — said the national government needs to push ahead on such issues as housing and she was “extremely optimistic” premiers would choose to co-operate.“
Buckle up because the gold price is going to $3000, says Dennis Gartman
“In an exclusive interview with Kitco News, famed commodity investor Dennis Gartman said that gold did suffer some near-term technical damage last week as the market sold off sharply after hitting a record high above $2,448 an ounce; however, he added that the precious metal has embarked on a multi-year bull market.“
US House passes $95bn in aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. What next?
“The bill, which was stalled for a long time following deep splits in Republican camps, now heads to the Senate for a vote.
The United States House of Representatives has passed a $95bn legislative package providing security assistance to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan.“
BC population to hit 7.9 million by 2046, as growth rate soars: report | Vancouver Sun
“B.C.’s population is projected to reach 7.9 million by 2046 according to official projections and statistics that suggest the province is experiencing the fastest growth in 50 years.
The new B.C. government report based on publicly available data predicts a 44 per cent population increase compared with the 2023 population of 5.5 million.“
Federal government plans to lease public lands for construction through new housing strategy | CBC News
“Federal government plans to lease public lands for construction through new housing strategy
Trudeau says the goal is to build ‘almost 3.9 million homes by 2031’ “
British Columbia and Manitoba invite provincial nominees | CIC News
“British Columbia and Manitoba has issued invitations to provincial nominees through their individual Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) this week.
Together the provinces invited more than 400 candidates from streams designed for in-demand and skilled workers looking to settle in their provinces. “
Calls for more affordable housing as over $426M spent to temporarily house asylum claimants – Calgary | Globalnews.ca
“The federal government has spent over $426 million this fiscal year on temporary accommodations like hotels for asylum claimants.
In Calgary, finding affordable permanent homes for refugees is a growing concern.“
I am a Canadian permanent resident, how long do I actually need to stay in Canada? | CIC News
“A permanent resident has many of the same benefits of Canadian citizens. However, unlike citizens, they must maintain their status by meeting certain requirements like the residency obligation.
To maintain your permanent resident status, you must have been physically present in Canada for at least 730 days (2 years) within the past five years. This period of 730 days does not need to be continuous and will be assessed on a rolling basis.“
From Indonesia to Japan, dollar’s rising strength raises global alarm – Nikkei Asia
G20 finance ministers likely to discuss issue as their currencies depreciate
“Countries across the globe are becoming increasingly wary of the growing might of the U.S. dollar. Emerging economies such as Indonesia have begun to move to defend their currencies against the possibility of renewed inflation and downward pressure on growth through higher import prices.
The negative impact of the dollar’s predominance on the global economy is likely to be one of the main themes at the Group of 20 of meetings finance ministers and central bank governors, which opens on Wednesday in Washington.“
Israel-Iran War Fears Suddenly Spark $500 Billion Bitcoin And Crypto Price Crash—Hitting Ethereum, BNB, XRP, Solana And Dogecoin (forbes.com)
“BitcoinBTC 0.0% has fallen sharply after Israel’s military said Iran had fired “dozens” of drones toward it in a retaliatory attack.
The bitcoin price has dropped toward $60,000 per bitcoin, down from over $70,000 per bitcoin earlier this week, after the Iranian Revolutionary Guard said it launched “dozens of drones and missiles” at Israeli territory.“
https://phys.org/news/2024-04-theories-crisis-democracy-inadequate-latin.html
Theories that explain the crisis in democracy are inadequate for Latin America, experts say (phys.org)
“The theories offered by the dominant literature in political science today to try to explain the sources of the political polarization that has endangered democracy around the world are adequate for the United States and Europe, but do not make sense for the countries of Latin America. For this reason, greater collaboration among political scientists is needed to identify other, more plausible hypotheses for the phenomenon that the region is also experiencing.“
Law society accuses lawyer of crimes (thespec.com)
Hamilton lawyer connected to missing millions is now accused of criminal conduct by law society
“A suspended lawyer linked to a multimillion-dollar fraud investigation conducted by Hamilton police is now accused of criminal activity by the Law Society of Ontario.
Girolamo (Gerry) Falletta, a personal injury lawyer connected to nearly $3.5 million missing from trust funds, is implicated in having “knowingly assisted in, encouraged, or otherwise failed to prevent dishonesty, fraud, crime, or illegal conduct by participating in fraudulent investment schemes,” according to a notice of application filed by the Law Society of Ontario, which governs the province’s lawyers and paralegals.“
Canada broke its treaty promise, but Blood Tribe is barred from suing, Supreme Court rules | CBC News
High court confirms Alberta’s statute of limitations applies to the band’s treaty-based lawsuit
“Canada acted dishonourably by breaking its treaty obligations to the Blood Tribe in Alberta but the band is barred from suing by the province’s statute of limitations, the Supreme Court of Canada has ruled.
The high court on Friday handed down a unanimous decision in Jim Shot Both Sides v. Canada, a case that may impact the ability of First Nations countrywide to sue the Crown for historic treaty violations.“
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/4/13/israeli-army-says-iran-has-launched-drones-at-israel
Iran launches air attack on Israel, with drones ‘hours’ away | Conflict News | Al Jazeera
US and Israel confirm that an aerial attack on Israeli territory is under way as Jordan and Iraq close their airspace.
“Iran has launched dozens of drones and missiles at Israel, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed, after Israel said Tehran had begun attacks.
The IRGC said on Saturday that it had released the drones and missiles under the operation “True Promise”, adding that the move was part of the punishment for “Israeli crimes”.“
https://www.cbc.ca/news/science/eclipse-reactions-canada-1.7167469
“A total solar eclipse darkened the skies and wowed onlookers in parts of the country — but if you didn’t get a chance to see it yourself, you can relive the best moments from the celestial phenomenon.
As a total solar eclipse made its way across Ontario, Quebec and Atlantic Canada on Monday, onlookers watched in awe, flooding social media with photos and images of the once-in-a-lifetime event.“
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/03/politics/texas-sb4-immigration-5th-circuit/index.html
‘Maybe Texas went too far’ with immigration law, state lawyer tells federal court
“An attorney defending Texas’ controversial immigration law told a federal appeals court on Wednesday that state legislators may have gone “too far” when they passed the law last year.
The law, known as SB4, makes entering Texas illegally a state crime and allows state judges to order immigrants to be deported.“
Trump calls migrants ‘animals,’ intensifying focus on illegal immigration
(Reuters) “Donald Trump called immigrants illegally in the United States “animals” and “not human” in a speech in Michigan on Tuesday, resorting to the degrading rhetoric he has employed time and again on the campaign trail.
The Republican presidential candidate, appearing with several law enforcement officers, described in detail several criminal cases involving suspects in the country illegally and warned that violence and chaos would consume America if he did not win the Nov. 5 election.“
In rare call, Russian defense minister warns French counterpart against sending troops to Ukraine
Associated Press (AP) — “Russia’s defense minister warned his French counterpart against deploying troops to Ukraine in a rare phone call Wednesday and noted that Moscow is ready to take part in talks to end the conflict.“
Dozens of migrants unexpectedly flown to Martha’s Vineyard can sue the transport company, federal judge rules
“A federal judge in Boston has ruled that the nearly 50 migrants who were transported from Texas to Martha’s Vineyard in 2022 in flights arranged by Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis can move forward with a lawsuit against the company that dropped them off. The destination of the flights was a surprise to both the migrants and residents of the Massachusetts island, according to the lawsuit.
Three Venezuelan migrants and immigrant rights group Alianza Americas filed the suit alleging DeSantis, members of his administration and Vertol Systems Company, a Florida-based aviation transport company, misguided migrants and transported them in what the rights group calls an “uncivilized, fraudulent, civil-rights conspiracy targeting LatinX immigrants.”“
https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/03/politics/texas-immigration-law-sb-4/index.html
Texas immigration controversy rekindles fight over Arizona’s ‘show me your papers’ law
CNN “The legal battle over a controversial Texas immigration law could eventually give the Supreme Court a chance to revisit a historic ruling that largely struck down Arizona’s “show me your papers” law and reaffirmed the federal government’s “broad, undoubted power” over immigration.
Texas’ SB 4, which allows state officials to arrest and detain people they suspect of entering the country illegally, was back in court Wednesday at the 5th US Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans.“
Trudeau says temporary immigration needs to be brought ‘under control’
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government wants to rein in the number of temporary immigrants coming to the country, saying the situation needs to be brought “under control.”
“Whether it’s temporary foreign workers or whether it’s international students in particular, that have grown at a rate far beyond what Canada has been able to absorb,” Trudeau said at a housing announcement in Dartmouth, N.S.“
Changes to PR fees
“The following fee increases, which are marked as applicable to the period between April 2024 and March 2026, apply as follows:
Program Applicants Current fees (April 2022– March 2024) New fees
(April 2024–March 2026) Right of Permanent Residence Fee Principal applicant and accompanying spouse or common-law partner $515 $575 “
Most educated, least productive: Why Canada’s falling behind |
“Canada has a productivity problem, according to senior economics officials, falling behind almost every G7 country in terms of how efficiently we use our workforce. Andrew Chang explains how the Bank of Canada says lack of competition and mismatched job skills are hurting the economy“
California restaurants ax jobs and raise prices ahead of new $20/hour minimum wage mandate
“Some California eateries, like Pizza Hut and McDonalds, are embarking on some drastic cost-cutting measures to prepare for the state’s new minimum wage hike.
Governor Gavin Newsom is lifting the minimum wage rate to $20 an hour starting in April — a 25% increase from its current rate of $16 an hour. But not all Golden State employees are benefiting from the push for higher wages.“
15 Fastest Declining States in the US
“In this article, we will be covering the 15 fastest declining states in the US. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Fastest Declining States in the US.
As reported by the US Census Bureau, the US resident population increased by 0.4% in 2022 after witnessing a historically low change between 2020 and 2021. The primary driver of this population growth was the net international migration which added 1,010,923 people to the country. Simultaneously, the most significant year-over-year increase in total births since 2007 was witnessed. The statistics indicated a return of the US to the pre-pandemic era.“
https://apnews.com/article/china-migrant-worker-economy-f9dc355c514ffcedf3b79d9d3a840ee6
Migrant workers who helped build modern China have scant or no pensions, and can’t retire
(AP) “At 53, Guan Junling is too old to get hired at factories anymore. But for migrant workers like her, not working is not an option.
For decades, they have come from farming villages to find work in the cities. Toiling in sweatshops and building apartment complexes they could never afford to live in, they played a vital role in China’s transformation into an economic powerhouse.“
Illegal migrant who went TikTok viral urging others to squat in people’s homes arrested by ICE
“The Venezuelan illegal immigrant influencer who went viral with his TikTok videos urging other migrants to squat in people’s homes has been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials.“
Many Americans say immigrants contribute to economy but there’s worry over risks, AP-NORC poll finds
(AP) — “Americans are more worried about legal immigrants committing crimes in the U.S. than they were a few years ago, a change driven largely by increased concern among Republicans, while Democrats continue to see a broad range of benefits from immigration, a new poll shows.“
US voters want more border patrol agents, less asylum seekers allowed: poll
“Voters in the United States are increasingly supportive of policies meant to address the ongoing illegal immigration crisis at the border.
The Associated Press, in partnership with the National Opinion Research Center at the University of Chicago, polled U.S. voters on key policy proposals to curb illegal border crossings.“
30 of the Largest Cities in the World by Population
“In this article, we list and discuss 30 of the Largest Cities in the World by Population. If you would like to skip our detailed discussion of the topic, you can go to 10 of the Largest Cities in the World by Population instead.
As of 2024, there are over 8 billion people in the world. According to the United Nations, this number will see an increase of almost 2 billion by 2050, and by the mid-2080s, it can go as high as 10.4 billion people. In the mid-twentieth century, the total world population was nearly three times less than the number at which it stands today. In other words, Earth was home to 2.5 billion people in 1950, and nearly 70 years later, it grew to 8 billion.“
Chinese migrants make multi-country trek to US southern border: ‘I just want to make money’
FIRST ON FOX: “Chinese nationals are streaming into the U.S. through the porous southern border in record numbers, traveling thousands of miles and through numerous countries to reach America’s doorstep – and, in the process, exposing a migration crisis of global proportions.
There have been more than 22,000 encounters of Chinese nationals at the southern border since Oct. 1, a massive increase from the 2,176 encountered in federal fiscal year 2022 and the 450 encountered in fiscal year 2021.“
California governor to deploy 500 surveillance cameras to Oakland to fight crime
Associated Press (AP) “Hundreds of high-tech surveillance cameras are being installed in the city of Oakland and surrounding freeways to battle crime, California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Friday.“
https://apnews.com/article/chicago-migrants-park-districts-shelters-f611d4b717a1948c93e051e1b57c55dd
Chicago plans to move migrants to other shelters and reopen park buildings for the summer
(AP) “Chicago plans to close five shelters for migrants in the coming weeks and move nearly 800 people, including families, in order to reopen park district buildings hosting popular summer camps, athletic contests and other community events in time for summer.“
Lawmakers rush to stop ‘catastrophic-level event’ at Texas oil fields: ‘We are going to have complete and utter ecological devastation’
“There is increasing alarm about West Texas oil fields that continue to produce toxic water leaks.
The latest event was detected in Crane County in early December, when brine water poured out of the earth and over ranchland, Marfa Public Radio reported. The well wasn’t plugged until Jan. 29, and the remediation project cost $2.5 million.“
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-says-its-putting-us-first-face-mexicos-migrant-demands
White House says it’s putting US first in face of Mexico’s migrant demands
“The White House on Thursday stressed that it is putting U.S. interests first when making policy decisions, emphasizing that it has a “constructive” relationship with Mexico after that country’s president made a number of demands related to migration policy.
Lifting sanctions on Cuba and Venezuela, sending Latin American and Caribbean countries $20 billion in aid a year and granting legal status to Mexican illegal immigrants in the U.S. were among President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s demands of President Biden in exchange for the Mexican government doing more to halt the surge of migrants to the U.S. border.“
Another red state moves a step closer to enacting Texas-style anti-illegal immigration bill
“Local police in Louisiana could soon be empowered to arrest persons suspected of being illegal immigrants under a bill moving through the state legislature. The bill, modeled after Texas’ anti-illegal immigration law, is one of a number of such bills under consideration in state capitals across the country.
Senate Bill 388, introduced by GOP state Sen. Valarie Hodges, makes it a new crime for an illegal immigrant to enter or re-enter the state after having been deported. Violating the law is punishable by imprisonment of up to a year and a fine of up to $4,000.“
Georgia bill aimed at requiring law enforcement to heed immigration requests heads to governor
Associated Press “Georgia’s Legislature gave final approval Thursday to a bill that would require local jailers to check the immigration status of inmates and work with federal immigration officials instead of sheltering people who are in the country illegally.
The House voted 99-75 to accept changes to House Bill 1105, which was backed by Republicans and now goes to the governor for his signature. It previously passed the state Senate.“
Some of Trump’s allies in Congress already support his 2025 ideas on deportations and Jan. 6 pardons
ASSOCIATED PRESS (AP) “As Donald Trump campaigns on promises of mass deportations and pardons for those convicted in the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, his ideas are being met with little pushback and some enthusiasm by a new era of Republicans in Congress.“
https://www.foxnews.com/us/nycs-debit-cards-clear-incentive-draw-more-migrants-council-member
NYC’s mayor giving debit cards to migrants a ‘clear incentive’: council member
“New York City Mayor Eric Adams’ new program to give prepaid debit cards to migrants in the city risks incentivizing more people to settle in the city despite the mayor’s claim the city is full, a New York council member argued.
“Regardless of our rhetoric about how ‘full’ the city has become, if we’re handing out free money it’s a clear incentive,” Council Member Vickie Paladino told Fox News Digital. “We hear it from many of the migrants themselves — they’re coming here because they know New York will give them welfare. It’s as simple as that. And that is absolutely the opposite message we should be sending now.”“
https://apnews.com/article/virginia-retail-marijuana-veto-youngkin-minimum-wage-d90ee994918c41eacb5a62c61378e37e#:~:text=RICHMOND%2C%20Va.,mandating%20a%20minimum%20wage%20increase.
Youngkin vetoes Virginia bills mandating minimum wage increase, establishing marijuana retail sales
(AP) “Republican Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin vetoed two top Democratic legislative priorities on Thursday: bills that would have allowed the recreational retail sales of marijuana to begin next year and measures mandating a minimum wage increase.
The development, which drew criticism from Democrats who control the General Assembly, did not come as a surprise. While Youngkin had not explicitly threatened to veto either set of bills, he told reporters he didn’t think the minimum wage legislation was needed and had repeatedly said he was uninterested in setting up retail marijuana sales.“
US may soon unveil list of Chinese chip factories barred from receiving tech
(Reuters) “The United States is drawing up a list of advanced Chinese chipmaking factories barred from receiving key tools, three people familiar with matter said on Thursday, to make it easier for companies to stem technology flows into China.
The list could be released in the next couple of months, one of the people said.“
Migrants refuse shelter after 2 Denver encampments swept
(KDVR) “Migrants and the city of Denver clashed after two camps were swept in one day, one in front of Elitch Gardens and another in southwest Denver.
The migrants refused to be bused to shelters, and the city stopped their efforts to set up at a new site near Bayaud Avenue and Raritan Street. The new site was a landing spot for migrants swept from the Elitch Gardens location.“
Fueled by fentanyl, drug overdose deaths have quadrupled in past 2 decades
“Each year, drug overdoses tragically take the lives of thousands of Americans. And since 2002, the rate of deaths from a drug overdose has quadrupled, largely fueled by the highly lethal fentanyl, new data shows.“
‘Humbling, and a bit worrying’: Scientists fail to fully explain record global heat
“Deadly heat in the Southwest. Hot-tub temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean. Sweltering conditions in Europe, Asia and South America.
That 2023 was Earth’s hottest year on record was in some ways no surprise. For decades, scientists have been sounding the alarm about rapidly rising temperatures driven by humanity’s relentless burning of fossil fuels.“
Bridge collapse poses the first major challenge for Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democratic rising star
“After a bridge collapse in Baltimore killed six people and shut down an international port, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has stepped into the national spotlight this week, leading the response to the catastrophe.“
Boston says it’s overrun by illegal immigrants, plans to place them in veterans housing
“Boston is preparing to house illegal migrants in former veterans housing as the city’s resources have been exhausted since Democratic Gov. Maura Healey declared a state of emergency over the surge last summer.“
Volunteer defends helping vulnerable migrants on Arizona’s perilous southern border
CNN “Paul Nixon’s brain wrestled with his heart as he saw a pregnant migrant woman huddled with her husband on a dirt road near a gap in the border wall surrounded by the desolate desert hills of southeast Arizona.“
https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-race-academy
Special Report-Two Black cadets and the struggle for diversity at an elite US military institution
(Reuters) “Pale marble pavers crisscross the Terrazzo, the plaza at the heart of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado that cadets traverse daily, on the way to class, the library and meals. In their first year, cadets must run and keep to the narrow marble strips whenever they are on the 20-acre Terrazzo.“
This US state is not covered by the NATO treaty. Some experts say that needs to change
CNN “Sweden became the newest member of NATO earlier this month, joining 31 nations in the security alliance, including the United States. Well, make that 49 of the 50 United States.
Because in a quirk of geography and history, Hawaii is not technically covered by the NATO pact.“
Judge questions Border Patrol stand that it’s not required to care for children at migrant camps
ASSOCIATED PRESS “A federal judge on Friday sharply questioned the Biden administration’s position that it bears no responsibility for housing and feeding migrant children while they wait in makeshift camps along the U.S-Mexico border.“
Immigrants are excluded from the right to legal representation. It’s time to change that.
“Immigrants deserve their fair day in court, with an attorney by their side. The Fairness to Freedom Act would secure this right.“
Fox News New York City begins giving illegal immigrants prepaid debit cards as part of $53 million pilot program
“New York City officials have begun handing out debit cards, which are meant to be used to purchase food and baby supplies, to migrant families residing in the Big Apple.“
Reuters Exclusive-Russia struggles to collect oil payments as China, UAE, Turkey raise bank scrutiny
“Russian oil firms face delays of up to several months to be paid for crude and fuel as banks in China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) become more wary of U.S. secondary sanctions, eight sources familiar with the matter said. Payment delays reduce revenue to the Kremlin and make them erratic, allowing Washington to achieve its dual policy sanction goals – to disrupt money going to the Kremlin to punish it for the war in Ukraine while not interrupting global energy flows.“
https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/27/politics/arizona-voters-border-issues/index.html
CNN What these Arizona voters see at the US-Mexico border that national politicians don’t
“The handmade boots at David’s Western Wear, a short walk from the Nogales pedestrian crossing, have for 44 years been a favorite of customers on both sides of the US-Mexico border.“
https://www.yahoo.com/news/trump-trying-run-clock-prosecutors-051624674.html
AFP Trump trying to run out the clock on prosecutors
“Facing a total of 88 felony charges in four separate federal and state cases, Donald Trump is employing a simple tactic that has always served him well in the past — running out the clock.The 77-year-old Republican presidential candidate has deployed an army of highly paid lawyers in New York, Washington, Georgia and Florida to push back his trial dates.“
https://apnews.com/article/mexico-first-nationalistic-policy-drug-cartels-6e7a78ff41c895b4e10930463f24e9fb#:~:text=%E2%80%9CMexico%20First.,he%20said%2C%20on%20humanitarian%20grounds.
Associated Press Mexico’s president says he won’t fight drug cartels on US orders, calls it a ‘Mexico First’ policy
“Mexico’s president said Friday he won’t fight Mexican drug cartels on U.S. orders, in the clearest explanation yet of his refusal to confront the gangs. Over the years, President Andrés Manuel López Obrador has laid out various justifications for his “hugs, not bullets” policy of avoiding clashes with the cartels. In the past he has said “you cannot fight violence with violence,” and on other occasions he has argued the government has to address “the causes” of drug cartel violence,“ (…)
Immigration Minister declares intention to have more in-Canada immigration draws
“On Thursday March 21st, Immigration Minister Marc Miller declared his intention to pursue more “domestic draws” for temporary residents already in Canada who are candidates for permanent residence (PR).
“Draws” reference PR selection rounds through pathways like Express Entry managed programs, wherein candidates from a pool are chosen based on their Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores—or for specific professional experience or French language ability—and issued invitations to apply (ITAs) for PR.“
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68621013
Canada to set first-ever cap on temporary residents
“Canada is planning to set limits on the number of temporary residents it lets in for the first time in its history.
Immigration minister Marc Miller said on Thursday that the number will be reduced over the next three years, with the first cap to be set in September.
It will apply to international students, as well as foreign workers and asylum claimants.“
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/23/world-happiness-report-happiest-countries-gen-z-millennials.html
This is the happiest country for Gen Z and millennials, according to The World Happiness Report
“Lithuania is the happiest country for Gen Z and millennials, according to the 2024 World Happiness Report.
Countries are ranked according to self-assessed life evaluations and answers to the Cantril ladder question which asks respondents to think of a ladder with the best possible life for them being a 10 and the worst being a zero and then rate their current lives on that scale.“
Global fertility rates to decline, shifting population burden to low-income countries
(Reuters) “Fertility rates in nearly all countries will be too low to sustain population levels by the end of the century, and most of the world’s live births will be occurring in poorer countries, according to a study published on Wednesday.“
Longest sustained rise in people too sick to work since 1990s, says thinktank
“Britain is going through the longest sustained rise in the number of working-age adults who are too sick to work since the 1990s, according to a report warning that a benefits crackdown is unlikely to solve the country’s jobless crisis.
The Resolution Foundation said economic inactivity due to long-term sickness – when people aged 16-64 are neither in work nor looking for a job because of a health condition – had increased in each year since July 2019, the longest sustained rise since 1994 to 1998.“
Fox News White House blames Republicans, Texas Gov. Abbott, after migrants attack Guard members, storm border
“The White House is blaming Republicans for the giant surge in illegal immigrants at the southern border following a violent incident on Thursday.“
Canada’s wildfires the major source of pollution within the U.S. last year: report
And prevailing winds ‘distributed it through the United States, into a lot of cities within the Northeast, and the Midwest’
“Canada’s air quality last year was worse than the United States for the first time since a firm started publishing its annual assessment in 2018.“
How to avoid a CRA audit in 2024 as complex new rules come into play
“The deadline for filing taxes in Canada for 2024 is April 30. As the big day approaches, Globe Advisor and Globe Investor have teamed-up to offer advice on how to maximize returns, find credits and avoid an audit. The full series can be found here.
There are two simple rules to minimize the odds of tax reviews and audits: File on time and get it right the first time.“
How to become a permanent resident in Canada?
“In this article, we will explore all you must know about Express Entry to become a permanent resident in Canada. Get to know which IELTS test suits you best.
Becoming a permanent resident in Canada via Express Entry by taking IELTS
Canada, renowned for its welcoming immigration policies and diverse cultural tapestry, continues to attract individuals from around the globe seeking opportunities for a better life. Among the various pathways to settling in the Great White North, the Express Entry system stands out as an efficient way to become a permanent resident in Canada.“
The Supreme Court of Canada went viral for what it didn’t say about ‘a woman’
Leo Varadkar says he is stepping down as Irish PM in emotional speech – as it happened
‘Politicians are human beings and we have our limitations. We give it everything until we can’t anymore,’ says taoiseach
“Ireland’s Leo Varadkar, has announced he is standing down as leader of the Fine Gael party and will also step down from his role as prime minister as soon as a replacement is selected by his party.“
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/3/20/irelands-pm-leo-varadkar-announces-resignation
Ireland’s PM Leo Varadkar announces resignation
Varadkar says the reasons for him stepping down as the leader of the governing Fine Gael party are ‘mainly political’.
“Ireland’s Prime Minister Leo Varadkar says he is stepping down as the leader of the governing Fine Gael party.
In the surprise announcement on Wednesday, Varadkar said he would also relinquish his role as prime minister as soon as a successor is chosen.“
Landmark U.S. settlement could impact Canadian housing market
National Association of Realtors agreed to change broker commission rules, pay out $418M US in settlement
“A substantial settlement recently announced by a U.S. group representing more than one million Realtors has real estate experts hopeful Canadian home sellers could soon get a better deal.
Last week, the U.S.-based National Association of Realtors (NAR) agreed to pay $418 million US to end legal claims from home sellers that argued the group artificially inflated real estate commissions.“
Good Morning America – NYC mayor pushes for national migrant strategy amid asylum-seeker influx
“New York City has become a focal point in the national debate on immigration. City officials have stated that more than 180,000 asylum-seekers have passed through the city’s intake system since spring 2022, in some cases bused in by officials from cities along the U.S. southern border.
New York has struggled to house, feed and process the wave of asylum-seekers, leading Mayor Eric Adams to call on federal officials for financial support and policy change.“
Mexico won’t accept deportations from Texas, calls law ‘dehumanizing’
“ Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador sharply criticized a Texas law that would empower state law enforcement authorities to arrest people suspected of illegally crossing the U.S.-Mexico border, saying Mexico will not accept anyone repatriated by Texas.
“Let me say this once and for all, we will not accept deportations from the Texan government,” Lopez Obrador said on Wednesday at his daily news conference.“
Texas border enforcement law again blocked in legal whiplash
https://www.foxnews.com/video/6349478100112
Judge rules illegal immigrants can own and carry guns
Fox News senior national correspondent William La Jeunesse reports on the Obama-appointed federal judge ruling that the law prohibiting illegal immigrants from owning a gun is unconstitutional.
Court order puts Texas law allowing police to arrest migrants who cross illegally back on hold
“A federal appeals court late Tuesday issued an order that again prevents Texas from arresting migrants suspected of entering the U.S. illegally, hours after the Supreme Court allowed the strict new immigration law to take effect.
The decision by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals comes weeks after a panel on the same court cleared the way for Texas to enforce the law by putting a pause on a lower judge’s injunction.“
Russia says it is pushing Ukrainian forces back, will create two …
“Russia said on Wednesday its soldiers were pushing Ukrainian forces back and that Moscow would bolster its military by adding two new armies and 30 new formations by the end of this year.“
What to know about new minimum wage in California
“Starting Monday, more than half a million fast food workers in California will get a 25% bump in hourly wages from $16 to $20, now that a new law has kicked in statewide.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1228 into law last September, which only affects fast food workers at chains with at least 60 locations nationwide.“
First day of migrant evictions leads to confusion; only 3 removed from shelters
Pro-Trump attorney arrested after court hearing about leaked Dominion emails
“A pro-Trump lawyer who tried to overturn the 2020 election was arrested Monday after a court hearing about her recent leak of internal emails belonging to Dominion Voting Systems.
There was an existing arrest warrant for the attorney, Stefanie Lambert, stemming from her failure to appear at recent court hearings in her separate criminal case in Michigan, where she was charged with conspiring to seize voting machines after the 2020 election.“
Behind the wheel without a license: Migrants buying cars to make a life in Chicago
Chicago Tribune “Behind a West Loop migrant shelter, dozens of cars sit without license plates. Several of their owners stand nearby, acknowledging they lack licenses to drive them. But they increasingly have been driving, according to a Chicago Tribune analysis of police data that suggests sharp rises in arrests among migrants for breaking traffic laws.“
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-states-highest-homeless-population-011835825.html
15 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US
“In this article, we will take a look at the 15 states with the highest homeless population in the US. If you want to skip our detailed analysis, you can go directly to the 5 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US. Homelessness Reaches New Heights in the US In the United States,“ […]
“15 States with the Highest Homeless Population in the US
Ohio. …
Illinois. …
Georgia. …
Pennsylvania. Total Homeless Population: 12,556. …
Arizona. Total Homeless Population: 14,237. …
Colorado. Total Homeless Population: 14,439. …
Massachusetts. Total Homeless Population: 19,141. …
Oregon. Total Homeless Population: 20,142.“
Canada’s parliament urges 2-state solution, but not recognition of Palestinian state
Left-leaning coalition party’s resolution passes 204 to 117 after compromise leaves it in line with policy of Ottawa and G7, while beefing up anti-Hamas language
“Canada’s parliament passed a non-binding motion late Monday calling on the international community to work toward a two-state solution to resolve the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians, in line with government policy.
The vote had been delayed by last-minute wrangling over wording supporting Palestinian statehood, an idea that looked set to deepen splits inside the ruling Liberal Party.“
Government’s endorsement of amended Palestinian statehood motion wins praise, draws outrage
‘We were able to find common ground,’ Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly says
“The Liberal government’s last-minute endorsement of an amended NDP motion on Palestinian statehood is being welcomed by the country’s Muslim advocacy group and derided by Jewish voices who say Ottawa has sub-contracted its foreign policy to “anti-Israel radicals.”
The motion, introduced by NDP MP Heather McPherson, was controversial from the start. One clause in the original motion called on the government to “officially recognize the State of Palestine.” “
IRCC updates eligibility requirements for Spousal Open Work Permits
“Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has released more details surrounding changes to eligibility for Spousal Open Work Permits (SOWP).
On January 22, 2024, the department introduced several changes to Canada’s international student program. Among them, IRCC said that the spouses of international students in undergraduate and college programs will no longer be eligible for SOWPs.“
EU may use 90% of frozen Russian assets revenues to buy arms for Ukraine
“European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said on Tuesday he will propose that the EU uses 90 per cent of the revenues from Russian assets frozen in Europe to buy arms for Ukraine via the European Peace Facility fund.
The EU’s top diplomat told reporters in Brussels he would propose that the remaining 10 percent be transferred to the EU budget to be used to boost the capacity of the Ukrainian defence industry.“
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/end-indigenous-tax-exemption-report
Report calls on federal government to end Indigenous tax exemption
‘Whatever small benefit the tax exemption confers is not worth the antagonism caused by the feeling that the recipients are not pulling their weight’
“Income earned by Indigenous people on reserve should not be exempt from taxation, argues a new paper from the conservative Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy.
In his study, The Section 87 Indian Act Taxation Exemption: An Analysis, Tom Flanagan argues the tax exemptions for Indigenous people are “contrary to the general ethos of democratic societies, which assumes that the state should treat all citizens equally and that all citizens should pay their fair share to support the state.”“
Climate change ‘speeding up,’ UN warns as Canada braces for early wildfires
“Climate change is “speeding up,” the head of the United Nations says as B.C. and Alberta prepare for an early start to wildfire season.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres made those comments Tuesday in reaction to a World Meteorological Organization (WMO) report that found 2023 broke every single climate indicator record the organization has.“
For many in B.C. finding a rental has become a full-time job, competition is fierce
Renters are selling themselves to landlords, with Metro Vancouver rents Canada’s highest
“In 2018, teen brothers Hudson and Jackson Forsyth-Beck started growing veggies in the front yard of their rental home in Squamish, B.C., selling pickles.
That turned into a busy farm stand over the years.“
Article 23: Hong Kong legislature passes tough new national security law
Rights groups, foreign governments fear fast-tracked law will erode civil liberties and may be used to silence critics.
“Hong Kong’s Legislative Council unanimously passed a new national security law that expands the government’s power to crush dissent.
The Safeguarding National Security Law passed on Tuesday includes new measures on treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets and sedition.“
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