In the news today: NDP says Trudeau expected to announce GST break

By The Canadian Press on November 21, 2024.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes his way to Question Period in the House of Commons, in Ottawa, Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce on Thursday a temporary GST break for certain essential items to help ease affordability pressures. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed…

Trudeau expected to announce temporary GST break on some items, NDP says

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce on Thursday a temporary GST break for certain essential items to help ease affordability pressures. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says in a statement that the announcement is in response to his party’s demands to permanently lift the goods and services tax on a range of expenses. The Globe and Mail has reported that the prime minister is set to announce a multibillion-dollar package of affordability measures, including the GST break. Singh says in the statement that New Democrats will vote in favour of the measure to help give Canadians immediate relief. That suggests the NDP may help the government break the gridlock in Parliament that has stopped legislation from moving along.

Nova Scotia leaders to debate in TV roundtable

Nova Scotia’s three main political leaders are set to meet later today for their third debate ahead of Tuesday’s provincial election. Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston, NDP Leader Claudia Chender and Liberal Leader Zach Churchill are to take part in a roundtable discussion hosted by CTV News. The 90-minute exchange is scheduled to be televised at 6:30 p.m. local time and will be moderated by CTV News anchor Todd Battis. It’s the second televised debate since the election was called on Oct. 27. At dissolution, the Progressive Conservatives held 34 seats in the 55-seat legislature and the Liberals held 14 seats, while the NDP had six and there was one Independent.

Here’s what else we’re watching…

CBSA sued over ‘forced labour’ cargo detentions

A Victoria solar company is suing the federal government, saying border agents wrongfully detained millions of dollars worth of solar panels from China over suspicions they were made with forced labour. Charge Solar Renewables says in a Federal Court lawsuit that 47 containers of solar panels were held up for months in Calgary, Vancouver and Toronto after being detained in February and April. The company says the detention of the goods caused customers to cancel orders and inflicted irreparable damage on its market position. The border agency says about 50 cargo shipments have been detained under anti-forced-labour regulations since 2021, although only one was eventually deemed in breach of the rules and seized.

Prosecution to wrap up in human smuggling trial

The prosecution is expecting to wrap up its case today in the trial of two men accused of human smuggling at the border between Manitoba and Minnesota. Steve Shand and Harshkumar Patel have pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from several border crossings in 2021 and 2022. On Jan. 19, 2022, a family of four from India froze to death as the temperature dipped below -20 C in a blizzard, while seven others were apprehended. A nurse practitioner testified yesterday about severe hypothermia suffered by one of the migrants who survived and had to be airlifted to hospital. More medical testimony is scheduled for today.

Gender-based violence largely absent from campaign

A group that advocates for women’s rights says domestic violence hasn’t been given enough attention during the Nova Scotia election campaign. Transition House Association of Nova Scotia released a report this week calling on the province to take immediate steps to reduce violence against women and girls. It also called on all political parties to commit to greater funding for groups that address intimate-partner violence. The group also released an analysis of the three major parties’ platforms, concluding the NDP’s platform has the most to offer for addressing gender-based violence, followed closely by the Liberals.

Taylor Swift set for final three dates in Toronto

Taylor Swift is throwing another party in Toronto as her celebrated Eras Tour heads into its final three nights in the city. The pop superstar will pack the Rogers Centre full of Swifties tonight, Friday and Saturday. She’ll head to Vancouver for the last three shows of her tour, performing at BC Place from Dec. 6 to 8. The concerts have boosted local economies and in Toronto left a big impression on the streets of downtown where fans gathered dressed in Swift-themed outfits to celebrate the singer. The Eras Tour has touched down in five continents and will have clocked nearly 150 performances by the time it’s over.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 21, 2024.