Leons Headlines Dec 3: Canadian Union of Postal Workers says Canada Post’s new negotiation framework shows progress but falls short of union demands amid 3-week strike by 55K workers. Meantime, businesses in Brandon struggle with increased shipping costs, declining sales & frustrated customers, while the CFIB warns of significant impacts on MB small-and medium-sized enterprises.
-MB colleges & universities increase security after recent assaults, including a dorm room attack at UofM and a robbery near BU, which is now conducting a safety audit.
-Portage RCMP are investigating the deaths of a 42yr old man & 37yr old woman found in a home Sunday night, no signs of suspicious circumstances or public safety concern.
-A 23-year-old woman from southern MB died after a dental procedure in Morden-Winkler Nov. 27, prompting an investigation by the MB Dental Association.
-A search is underway at a MB landfill for the remains of Indigenous women, involving a 45-person team as part of the fourth stage of a five-stage plan expected to continue into spring.
-Trump suggests Canada become 51st state after Trudeau said tariff would kill economy: sources. PM to brief opposition leaders today regarding Friday Florida visit.
-3 winning lottery tickets were sold in MB last weekend, including a $25K prize in rural MB and 2 others worth $25K and $1M in Wpg.
-St. Louis visits Wpg tonight to face the Jets.
Canada the 51st state? Bombshell revelation that President-elect Trump suggested to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau if a tariff for failing to address trade and immigration issues would kill the neighbor to the north’s economy, maybe it should become the 51st state. Paraphrasing the discussion, Trudeau told Trump he cannot levy the 25% tariff because it would kill the Canadian economy completely. Trump replied – asking, so your country can’t survive unless it’s ripping off the U.S. to the tune of $100 billion? Trump then suggested to Trudeau that Canada become the 51st state, which caused the prime minister and others to laugh nervously, but he continued, telling Trudeau that PM is a better title, though he could still be governor of the 51st state. Sources told Fox News someone at the table chimed in and advised Trump that Canada would be a very liberal state, which received even more laughter.
(Shirley Temple 7-Up has landed FB: Richard Evanyshyn)
LETS GO FOR A HOLIDAY SODA. Are the best flavours stateside? Canadians often go wild for U.S. soda flavors like Mountain Dew Code Red or Dr Pepper Vanilla Float that aren’t sold locally. Specialty stores and cross-border trips are popular ways to snag these elusive drinks. Social media buzzes with excitement whenever someone finds a rare flavor north of the border!
Holiday sodas like Pepsi Holiday Spice and Coca-Cola Black Cherry Vanilla are long gone but still fondly remembered. Their discontinued festive flavors leave fans wishing for a sweet holiday comeback.
https://www.mashed.com/1726475/holiday-sodas-seriously-miss
Coca-Cola has seen its share of flops, including products like New Coke, Coca-Cola BlāK (a coffee-soda hybrid), and Coca-Cola C2, which failed to capture consumer interest. These missteps highlight the challenges of innovation, with some products simply not resonating despite bold attempts to expand the brand.
https://www.eatthis.com/discontinued-coca-cola-products
John Candy’s last meal. On his last day on earth he reportedly cooked spaghetti for fellow cast members, reflecting his love for hearty comfort food. A proud Canadian, Candy also cherished Manitoba delicacies like perogies and Mennonite sausage, which connected him to his roots.
https://www.mashed.com/1718251/john-candy-last-meal
Several countries charge a tourist tax or entry fee, Here are a few examples:
Japan: Japan introduced an entry tax of about 1,000 yen (roughly $7 USD) for travelers departing the country by air or sea. This is part of the “sayonara tax” aimed at improving tourism facilities.
Thailand: Thailand has a tourist tax of 300 baht (about $9 USD) for international arrivals, which will be used to improve the country’s tourism infrastructure and help manage environmental conservation efforts.
Italy: Many cities in Italy, including Rome and Venice, charge a local “tourist tax” of around €3 to €7 (roughly $3.50 to $8 USD) per night, depending on the city and type of accommodation.
Hawaii (USA): While not a federal tax, some states like Hawaii add a $10 to $15 USD per person entry fee, also called a “sustainability fee,” intended for environmental preservation and tourism-related services.
Bali (Indonesia): Bali has proposed a tourist entry fee, expected to be around $10 USD, to manage the impact of tourism on the island’s infrastructure and environment.
New Zealand: New Zealand charges a visitor levy of NZD $35 (about $22 USD) for travelers entering the country, which is used to fund tourism infrastructure.
Mexico: Mexico has a “tourist tax” for visitors traveling to popular destinations like Cancun, which is about $25 USD per person. BUT A $42 PER STOP TAX for SHIPS?!?!?!?
