This roundup presents the latest news from Canada, highlighting various pressing issues currently confronting the nation.
Canadians in Mexican State of Jalisco Taking Cover Following Outbreak of Violence
Canadians residing in Mexico are taking shelter as violence escalates in the region. Government officials in Jalisco State, which includes the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, have declared the area unsafe for travel after a major government operation resulted in the death of a prominent drug cartel leader.
In response to the killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," members of the cartel have unleashed violence across Mexico, blocking roads and setting vehicles ablaze, notably within Jalisco State. Global Affairs Canada has issued warnings advising Canadians in the area to remain indoors, maintain a low profile, and heed the instructions of local authorities. This precarious situation has led to the cancellation of flights by several Canadian airlines, including Air Canada and WestJet, which have suspended services to and from Puerto Vallarta.
Conservatives Calling for Probe into Asylum Seekers' Access to Health Care
The Conservative Party plans to introduce a motion in the House of Commons aimed at reviewing healthcare access for asylum seekers. The motion, set to be presented on Tuesday, highlights a significant increase in the cost of the Interim Federal Health Program, which has skyrocketed from $211 million in the 2020 fiscal year to an anticipated $896 million in 2024-25.
This data is derived from a recent report published by the parliamentary budget officer, which indicates that costs associated with the program could reach $1.5 billion annually by 2028-29. This federal program encompasses a variety of medical services offered to asylum seekers, refugees, and other protected individuals residing in Canada.
Tax-Filing Season Begins as CRA Accepts Returns
Tax season is officially upon Canadians as the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) begins accepting returns. The 2025 tax-filing period started on Monday and will continue for just over nine weeks, culminating in a deadline of April 30 for most taxpayers.
Employers are expected to issue T4 slips by the end of February, either through mail, email, or employee portals. Financial institutions are similarly required to provide investment slips, and more complex investment firms will send their clients a comprehensive summary of all investments and gains around the same timeframe. Notably, taxpayers have until March 2 to contribute to their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for the 2025 tax year.
More Snow, Wind, and Shovelling for Atlantic Canada
Residents of Atlantic Canada are bracing for additional winter weather, with utilities and municipalities preparing for another snowfall and strong winds. Environment Canada has issued winter storm and blowing snow warnings across much of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and eastern New Brunswick, with wind gusts forecasted to reach up to 100 kilometers per hour in the Wreckhouse area of southwestern Newfoundland.
Nova Scotia Power has activated its Emergency Operations Centre in anticipation of weather-related power outages. Social media posts from St. John’s indicate that some residents are seeking help to exit their homes due to snowdrifts from a previous storm that have completely blocked entrances. Some areas reported snow accumulation as significant as 74 centimeters in nearby communities.
Nova Scotia Set to Deliver Budget Today, Which Could Include Deep Cuts
Today, Nova Scotia's Finance Minister John Lohr is expected to announce the provincial budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which may include substantial spending cuts, potentially affecting public services. Recent announcements have revealed plans to close three provincial museums and several tourist information centers as part of cost-reduction efforts.
In a push towards fiscal responsibility, Lohr requested all government departments in December to propose ways to achieve a 10 percent rollback on programs and grants, although he noted that not all suggestions would be enacted. The budget deliberations reflect ongoing discussions about balancing budgetary constraints with the provision of essential services to residents.
This information provides a snapshot of the current important issues affecting Canadians across various sectors, from safety and health care to economic challenges and weather-related disruptions.
