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Canadian economists believe there could be an unusual solution to the problems befalling the G7 economy: return to the White House. The United States president-elect might have already threatened a on all exports from its northern neighbour and played a role in the resignation this month of finance minister . But some say a second Trump term is the impetus Canada needs to deal with a severe backlog of structural problems that have left it trailing the U.S. in productivity, growth and wages. William Foster, a senior vice-president in the sovereign risk group at Moody’s, said the Trump “stress test” was an opportunity to realign Canada’s economic focus. “It has the resources, it just needs to figure it out,” Foster said. Social-economic indicators across Canada show large parts of the population are being left behind. In March 2024, there were more than 2 million visits to food banks in Canada the highest number in history a six per cent increase compared with 2023, and a 90 per cent increase compared with 2019, according to the NGO Food Banks Canada. , at about seven per cent, and Canada’s is the highest in the G7, making the population particularly vulnerable to a recession. , along with exchange rate movements, have meant Canadian wages and salaries are now lower than those in all 50 U.S. states, according to an October report from the Fraser Institute, a Vancouver-based think-tank. Robert Asselin, a former government adviser who is now at the Business Council of Canada, said the country’s economy had become “structurally weak” as it mainly relied on consumption and real estate. Last week, when announcing another interest rate cut, governor Tiff Macklem said there were “mixed signals in the data”, adding population growth and public sector spending were keeping Canada’s GDP afloat. is now within Canada’s two per cent target range — down from seven per cent in 2022 — but when Freeland resigned, on the day she was due to present the country’s Fall Economic Statement, an Angus Reid Institute (ARI) poll found that 38 per cent of Canadians said they were worse off now than 12 months ago. “This is the lowest this measure has been since 2021 but is still much higher than data seen in ARI’s 14 years of tracking those data,” the pollsters said. Alex Whalen, policy director at the Fraser Institute, said Canada’s troubles stemmed from an “investment crisis”. “We need restrained government spending, widespread tax reform and an improved investment climate beginning with, among other policies, reversing the recent capital gains tax hike, for large profits on asset sales, and phaseout of accelerated depreciation,” he said. Productivity and innovation the twin pillars that have helped the U.S. economy race ahead of its G7 counterparts in recent years have become a sore point for Canada. “An innovative, productive and competitive economy will result in higher wages and better job opportunities for Canadian workers,” Asselin said. Canada was the 18th most productive economy in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development in 2022; in 1970 it was sixth. This year, labour productivity was 1.2 per cent below pre-pandemic levels, having fallen for 14 of the past 16 quarters. Jonathan Garbutt, a Toronto-based tax lawyer, said that despite numerous government funds for research and development, Canada did not foster a competitive technology and innovation sector. “When young Canadian entrepreneurs ask me for my best tax advice, I say, go someplace south that values entrepreneurship and rewards people for taking risks,” he said. While the U.S.’s stellar growth may be envied in Canada, the country has benefited from a centuries-old trading relationship with its southern neighbour that is worth about $1.3 trillion annually. About 80 per cent of Canada’s exports flow to the United States, with the automotive industry, oil and gas, steel and critical minerals such as uranium central to the relationship. Should Trump carry out his threat to rip up the North American free trade deal, the USMCA, with Canada and Mexico when he returns to office on January 20, it would remove one of the remaining strengths of the Canadian economy and likely tip it into recession. Differences between Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over how to respond to what the former minister described as Trump’s “aggressive economic nationalism” prompted her to quit after four years in the post. Her resignation letter criticized a number of Trudeau’s pre-election giveaways including tax-free Christmas trees and a proposed $250 cheque for nearly half the population at a time when Ottawa “faces a grave challenge” from the U.S. president-elect. An election must be held by October and Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre is significantly ahead in the polls. Using slogans such as “axe the tax”, Poilievre, a 45-year-old career politician, has hammered Trudeau on the struggling economy. Regardless of who wins the next election, Trump’s victory in the U.S. was “a wake-up call”, said Jim Thorne, chief market strategist for Wellington-Altus Private Wealth. “We are witnessing the great deterioration of the Canadian economy in the post-WWII era and Ottawa and Bay Street have yet to fully recognize the rapid decline.”
Chau Evita? Milei officials eyes demolition of iconic Buenos Aires buildingWASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump called his meeting with Justin Trudeau productive and says the prime minister made a commitment to work with the United States to end the drug crisis amid the threat of stiff tariffs. “We discussed many important topics that will require both Countries to work together to address, like the Fentanyl and Drug Crisis that has decimated so many lives as a result of Illegal Immigration, Fair Trade Deals that do not jeopardize American Workers, and the massive Trade Deficit the U.S. has with Canada,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social Saturday. Trudeau flew to Florida Friday evening to attend a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, where Trump’s transition team is based. The in-person meeting came at the end of a rocky week in which Trump threatened to impose stiff tariffs on all imports from Canada and Mexico, unless the two countries stop illegal border crossings and prevent illicit drugs from entering the United States. Trump said he and Trudeau discussed the drug crisis and the president-elect made it “very clear that the United States will no longer sit idly by as our Citizens become victims” of the drug epidemic, which he attributed to cartels and fentanyl coming from China. “Prime Minister Trudeau has made a commitment to work with us to end this terrible devastation of U.S. Families,” Trump posted. Trump said the pair also discussed illegal immigration, as well as trade, energy and the Arctic. Trump’s post did not directly mention tariffs and it’s unclear whether the prime minister’s visit has alleviated his concerns about the border. Trudeau, in West Palm Beach Saturday morning, answered a reporter’s question about the dinner, calling it “an excellent conversation.” A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said the two leaders “shared a productive wide-ranging discussion over dinner.” It was centred on collaboration and strengthening the bilateral relationship. “As Canada’s closest friend and ally, the United States is our key partner, and we are committed to working together in the interests of Canadians and Americans,” the statement said. Trudeau had a notably rocky relationship with the Republican leader during the first Trump administration. However, the prime minister was the first G7 leader to visit Trump since the Nov. 5 election. Trump’s tariff threats are critical for Canada. More than 77 per cent of Canadian exports go to the United States. Trudeau said earlier Friday that he would resolve the issue by talking with Trump.Arkansas receiver Andrew Armstrong said Tuesday that he is entering the NFL Draft. Later in the day, a school spokesman told reporters that Armstrong will skip the Razorbacks' bowl game. The destination isn't yet known. Armstrong led the Southeastern Conference in both receptions (78) and receiving yards (1,140) but caught just one touchdown in 11 games this season. His catches and yardage were both second-most in Arkansas history behind Cobi Hamilton, who had 90 receptions for 1,335 yards in 2012. "It's been a journey for the books and I wouldn't trade it for anything because it has made me into the man I am today," Armstrong said of his Razorbacks tenure in a social media post. "... I will never forget all the moments that were shared here in Fayetteville." Armstrong played two seasons at Texas A&M-Commerce before transferring to Arkansas ahead of the 2023 season. In two seasons with the Razorbacks, he caught 134 passes for 1,904 yards and six scores. --Field Level Media
PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — Honey, they shrunk the catalogs. While retailers hope to go big this holiday season , customers may notice that the printed gift guides arriving in their mailboxes are smaller. Many of the millions of catalogs getting sent to U.S. homes were indeed scaled down to save on postage and paper, resulting in pint-sized editions. Lands’ End, Duluth Trading Company and Hammacher Schlemmer are among gift purveyors using smaller editions. Some retailers are saving even more money with postcards. Lisa Ayoob, a tech-savvy, online shopper in Portland, Maine, was surprised by the size of a recent catalog she received from outdoor apparel company Carbon2Cobalt. “It almost felt like it was a pamphlet compared to a catalog,” she said. Catalogs have undergone a steady recalibration over the years in response to technological changes and consumer behavior. The thick, heavy Sears and J.C. Penney catalogs that brought store displays to American living rooms slimmed down and gave way to targeted mailings once websites could do the same thing. Recent postal rate increases accelerated the latest shift to compact formats. The number of catalogs mailed each year dropped about 40% between 2006 to 2018, when an estimated 11.5 billion were mailed to homes, according to the trade group formerly known as the American Catalog Mailers Association. In a sign of the times, the group based in Washington rebranded itself in May as the American Commerce Marketing Association, reflecting a broadened focus. But don't expect catalogs to go the way of dinosaurs yet. Defying predictions of doom, they have managed to remain relevant in the e-commerce era. Retail companies found that could treat catalogs with fewer pages as a marketing tool and include QR and promo codes to entice customers to browse online and complete a purchase. Despite no longer carrying an extended inventory of goods, catalogs are costly to produce and ship. But they hold their own in value because of growing digital advertising costs, helping retailers cut through the noise for consumers barraged by multi-format advertisements, industry officials say. In an unlikely twist, notable e-commerce companies like Amazon and home goods supplier Wayfair started distributing catalogs in recent years. Amazon began mailing a toy catalog in 2018. That was the same year Sears, which produced an annual Christmas Wish Book Wish starting in 1933, filed for bankruptc y. Fans of printed information may rejoice to hear that apparel retailer J.Crew relaunched its glossy catalog this year. Research shows that the hands-on experience of thumbing through a catalog leaves a greater impression on consumers, said Jonathan Zhang, a professor of marketing at Colorado State University. “The reason why these paper formats are so effective is that our human brains haven’t evolved as fast as technology and computers over the past 10 to 20 years. We retain more information when we read something on paper. That's why paper books remain relevant," Zhang said. “The psychology shows that three-dimensional, tactile experiences are more memorable.” Pint-sized presentations still can work, though, because the purpose of catalogs these days is simply to get customers’ attention, Zhang said. Conserving paper also works better with younger consumers who are worried about the holiday shopping season's impact on the planet, he said. Postal increases are hastening changes. The latest round of postage hikes in July included the category with the 8.5-by-11-inch size that used to be ubiquitous for the catalog industry. Many retailers responded by reducing the size of catalogs, putting them in a lower-cost letter category, said Paul Miller, executive vice president and managing director of the American Commerce Marketing Association. One size, called a “slim jim,” measures 10.5 by 5.5 inches. But there other sizes. Some retailers have further reduced costs by mailing large postcards to consumers. Lands' End, for one, is testing new compact formats to supplement its traditional catalogs. This year, that included folded glossy brochures and postcards, along with other formats, Chief Transformation Officer Angie Rieger said. Maine resident Ayoob said she understands why retailers still use catalogs even though she no longer is a fan of the format. These days, she prefers to browse for products on the internet, not by flipping through paper pages. “Everybody wants eyeballs. There’s so much out there -- so many websites, so many brands,” said Ayoob, who spent 35 years working in department stores and in the wholesale industry. Targeting customers at home is not a new concept. L.L. Bean was a pioneer of the mail-order catalog after its founder promoted his famous “Maine Hunting Shoe” to hunting license holders from out-of-state in 1912. The outdoor clothing and equipment company based in Freeport, Maine, is sticking to mailing out regular-sized catalogs for now. “By showcasing our icons, the catalog became an icon itself,” L.L. Bean spokesperson Amanda Hannah said. "Even as we invest more in our digital and brand marketing channels, the catalog retains a strong association with our brand, and is therefore an important part of our omni-channel strategy, especially for our loyal customers.”
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Makenzie McGill II ran for 155 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns and North Texas ended a five-game losing streak beating Temple 24-17 on Saturday in a regular-season ender for both teams. The win helped North Texas (6-6, 3-5 American Athletic Conference) reach bowl eligibility. Prior to Saturday, the Mean Green hadn't won since Oct. 12 when they beat Florida Atlantic 41-37. The game's scoring outcome was settled by halftime. Chandler Morris threw a 14-yard touchdown to DT Sheffield on the game's opening drive for a 7-0 UNT lead. Kali Nguma added a 36-yard field 19 seconds later following a Temple turnover. The Owls (3-9, 2-6) got on the board with Maddux Trujillo's 44-yard field goal. McGill made it 17-3 with a 39-yard scoring run. Eight seconds into the second quarter, McGill ran 51 yards to the end zone for a 24-3 edge. Temple got two touchdowns before the half ended when Joquez Smith and Evan Simon each ran it in from the 1 to reduce the deficit to 24-17. North Texas clinched a bowl berth for the 15th time in program history and eighth time since 2013. It's the first time in the Eric Morris era North Texas has qualified for a bowl. Temple hasn't posted a winning season since 2019 when it went 8-5 and ended the season with a 55-13 loss to North Carolina in the Northrop Grumman Military Bowl. The Owls have ended the last four seasons with records of 3-9. Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football
I’m a Celeb’s GK Barry sends sweet message to girlfriend Ella Rutherford after ‘secret communication’ was revealed
Justice Acquah, the Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for Takoradi Constituency, expressed strong confidence that the party will retain all its parliamentary seats in the Sekondi-Takoradi and Effia-Kwesimintsim areas in the upcoming elections. He further projected that the NPP will increase its parliamentary presence, capturing 14 out of the 17 seats in the Western Region. Acquah’s optimism stems from what he described as “unprecedented development” under the leadership of President Akufo-Addo and Vice President Bawumia. He pointed to several major infrastructure and healthcare projects as key indicators of the party’s achievements. “The Effia-Nkwanta Hospital is being upgraded to a teaching hospital, and there has been a significant increase in health facilities across the constituencies,” Acquah noted. “A healthy population is key to productivity, and even areas where the NPP didn’t win have benefited from these developments.” He also highlighted the party’s investments in road infrastructure, including crucial projects like the Market Circle, the Interchange, and the Port Expansion, which he said will enhance financial stability and facilitate trade across the region. Acquah added that Saturday’s elections will serve as a moment of thanksgiving for the people of Ghana, allowing them to show their appreciation for the NPP’s efforts. He rejected suggestions that seats in the Wassa East, Jomoro, Prestea-Huni Valley, and Ellembelle constituencies were out of reach, insisting that the NPP was well-positioned to win them. In Prestea-Huni Valley, Acquah noted that the party won the presidential election, citing the previous parliamentary loss to a “skirt and blouse” voting pattern, which he believes has now been corrected. He expressed confidence that the NPP will also win Jomoro, saying, “Has there even been a two-term MP there before? The dynamics favor us this time.” Concluding his remarks, Acquah emphasized that the work of the NPP is far from over, and he is convinced Ghanaians will vote to retain the party and continue the progress it has made.Protected personal information of more than 1 million people — including about 4,700 Social Security numbers — was accessed from Illinois Department of Human Services files in April, the agency confirmed last week. State agencies are required under the Illinois Personal Information Protection Act to notify the news media of certain reportable breaches of security. In a statement, the Illinois Department of Human Services said it experienced a privacy breach on April 25 when a phishing campaign was used to access a number of employee accounts and the files associated with the accounts. Phishing involves sending seemingly legitimate requests for personal or sensitive information such as passwords or account numbers. IDHS said the files that were accessed included Social Security numbers for 4,704 people. In addition, public assistance account information was accessed for more than 1.1 million people. While that information did not include Social Security numbers, it did have names, public assistance account numbers and some combination of addresses, birthdate, Illinois State Board of Education Student Information System identification numbers and cellphone numbers. "Upon learning of the phishing incident, IDHS worked in partnership with the Illinois Department of Innovation and Technology to investigate the extent of the breach and to determine which individuals were included," according to the statement. "This was an in-depth forensic analysis, followed by a manual review of all compromised files to determine the nature of the breach. IDHS continues to train its employees on how to avoid and report phishing attempts." Written notices were sent to those whose Social Security numbers were involved and whose current address was on file. Those notices provide details about available actions, including credit monitoring. Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
South Sudan's President Salva Kiir held an urgent meeting of top security brass on Friday after a shootout at the home of powerful former spy chief Akol Koor, who was sacked almost two months ago amid rumours of a coup plot. Gunfire erupted on Thursday evening in the capital Juba, sparking concerns about the stability of the world's youngest country that is already plagued by power struggles, ethnic infighting and a deep economic malaise. The shooting around the home of Koor, who was fired by Kiir in early October and placed under house arrest, caused panic among local residents before it was contained after about an hour. Following the meeting, South Sudan People's Defence Forces (SSPDF) spokesman Lul Ruai Koang said the incident took place after a "misunderstanding" between security forces attempting to relocate the ex-head of the National Security Services. Koang said Koor had now agreed to the relocation "with his dear wife, one bodyguard, and a cook" elsewhere in the city. He would be provided with additional army protection at his new residence, but Koang emphasised he was not under "their (army) detention." He said four people, two civilians and two soldiers, had been killed during the confrontation. The meeting convened by Kiir included the heads of defence, police, national security and military intelligence. A source in the presidency press unit said Koor was also present. The Sudans Post newspaper quoted a security official as saying the meeting had "resolved all outstanding tensions" and that the spy chief and his family "have been assured of their safety". In an alert to its staff on the ground on Thursday, the United Nations in South Sudan had said the shooting was linked to the arrest of the former spymaster and advised people to take cover. Koang told AFP that Koor "remains at his house", and denied claims circulating on social media that he had fled to the UN compound in Juba. There was a heavy deployment of military forces around his home in the Thongpiny district, an AFP correspondent said, but traffic has resumed and people were going about their daily business. More from this section Police spokesman John Kassara said the situation was now calm but that Thongpiny remained sealed off and residents "should remain vigilant". Koor became head of the feared National Security Services (NSS) after South Sudan's independence in 2011 but was sacked in October leading to widespread speculation he had been planning to overthrow Kiir. After his dismissal from the NSS, Koor was appointed governor of Warrap State, Kiir's home state, but this was abruptly revoked by the president before he took the oath of office. Koang said there had been a "misunderstanding" between two security services forces present at Koor's residence when a third unit arrived for the relocation. "That was the start of the armed confrontation that you heard," he said. Four people, two servicemen and two civilians, were killed in the incident, he said, and two civilians were wounded. Koor's sacking came just two weeks after Kiir again postponed by two years, to December 2026, the first elections in the nation's history. The delay has exasperated the international community, which has been pressing the country's leaders to complete a transitional process, including unifying rival armed forces and drawing up a constitution. The NSS was at the centre of controversy in July when parliament approved amendments to legislation allowing the agency to continue to arrest -- without a warrant -- anyone accused of offences against the state, raising alarm among rights groups and South Sudan's international partners. The country has struggled to recover from a brutal civil war between forces loyal to Kiir and his now deputy Riek Machar from 2013 to 2018 that killed about 400,000 people and drove millions from their homes. It remains one of the poorest and most corrupt countries on the planet and continues to be plagued by chronic instability and climate disasters. str-txw-rbu/giv
As snow blankets the Colorado mountains, outdoor enthusiasts have a unique opportunity: the winter hut trip. Whether you’re a skier or a snowshoer, a hut trip offers an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while exploring the rugged beauty of the state’s wilderness and enjoying the warmth and camaraderie of a cozy mountain hut. From the towering peaks of the San Juan Mountains to the snow-covered trails in Summit County, Colorado’s winter hut trips provide an unforgettable experience for adventurers of all levels. Huts fill up fast, so check each property’s for pricing and availability. Located between Telluride and Silverton near the top of Ophir Pass in the San Juan Mountains, the Opus Hut was built for backcountry skiers, mountaineers, hikers and mountain bikers. At 11,700 feet, the hut sits at treeline with low-angle glades below and open slopes above. While intermediate powder skiing is available out the back door of the hut, owner Travis Mohrman said the terrain is best suited for experienced backcountry skiers. Mohrman estimates that 15% to 20% of the groups visiting Opus Hut do so with guides. “They’re not personally comfortable with the terrain or they’re not from the area,” Mohrman said. “They guides are knowledgeable about local conditions — what the snow is, what’s safe and what’s not safe.” The cabin accommodates up to 20 people in five rooms. Some visitors book the whole hut and bring friends and family, while others reserve available beds in unbooked rooms. The hut features solar-powered lighting and 110-volt outlets for charging electronic devices. It also has filtered drinking water, hot and cold tap water, and indoor composting toilets. It provides full bedding and clean sleeping bag liners. During winter, the hut has four to six employees who sleep in a separate cabin. They prepare meals with natural, organic, and, when possible, locally grown products. The hut accommodates vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets–just be sure to inform the staff beforehand. It also offers beer, wine, and a limited selection of spirits for purchase. “You can travel much lighter if you don’t have to bring in your food,” said Mohrman, who took over the hut three years ago. “You don’t have to focus on the upkeep of being in the backcountry.” Reservations for Opus Hut open Aug. 1. “The winter fills up quick,” Mohrman said. “Every winter weekend books in the first five minutes.” Nestled at 11,200 feet in the San Juan National Forest, Campfire Ranch Red Mountain Pass is the perfect base for exploring world-class skiing, split boarding, snowshoeing, and ice climbing. Located between Silverton and Ouray, it’s is accessible during the winter via a half-mile backcountry over-snow approach. Campfire Ranch is an ideal choice for novices. While other Colorado hut systems require you to carry your own food, bring sleeping bags, and live off-grid, this one provides food service, solar-powered electricity, Wi-Fi, and bedding. The dog-friendly cabin accommodates eight people. “We took a hospitality approach to remove barriers to entry for people who want to have the experience but don’t have the gear or the knowledge,” said Katrin Meiusi, director of marketing for the properties. Campfire Ranch first opened a campground on the Taylor River in Almont near Crested Butte. RVs are not permitted at the campground, which is open from May to October. Amenities include unlimited firewood, clean bathrooms, and drinkable well water. The 38 backcountry huts managed by the non-profit 10th Mountain Division Hut Association are connected by 350 miles of trails among some of the tallest peaks in the lower 48 states. All huts, some of which accommodate up to 17 people, have kitchens with propane burners for cooking — propane is provided. They provide pots, pans, potholders, dishware, cooking and eating utensils, a percolator or French press for coffee, salt and pepper, paper towels, dish soap, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and trash bags. Some huts have ovens and propane grills. All huts provide lighting from on-site solar power, propane or a generator. A few huts also have outlets for charging small devices such as phones. The huts have either an outhouse or an indoor bathroom with toilet paper supplied. All huts include mattresses and pillows, but you must bring your sleeping bag and pillowcase. Summit Hut Association operates five backcountry huts open for winter from November to May. Francie’s and Janet’s cabins are also open for summer use from July to September. All huts have solar-powered lights, fully stocked kitchens, and wood-burning stoves. Francie’s, Janet’s, and Sisters’ cabins have saunas and indoor toilets. The association hosts its annual Backcountry Ball fundraiser in October at The Maggie on Peak to kick off the season. The event includes dinner, drinks, a silent auction and entertainment. Proceeds help maintain the network of backcountry cabins.TikTok files legal challenge of federal government's shutdown order
