National

No April Fool's joke, lots going up on April 1st

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Apr, 2024 09:53 AM

Today marks the first day of changes to multiple taxes and other costs, including the national price on pollution, the federal excise tax on alcohol and the cost to ride some B-C ferries.

Across Canada the added carbon price for gasoline will now be 17.6 cents per litre, up 3.3 cents per litre from before.

LIVE: Trudeau & the NDP’s cruel April Fools' Day joke coming to a gas station near you. https://t.co/BMW0rRVvGR
— Pierre Poilievre (@PierrePoilievre) April 1, 2024

The province's ferry rates were approved for an average increase of 3.2 per cent starting today, while B-C Ferries says it will be offering more options for discounted fares.

Other changes starting today include increases in the province's thresholds for first-time homebuyers and newly built homes to be exempt from the property transfer tax, and a two per cent bump to the federal excise tax on alcohol.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

B.C. power line cut access to Highway 99 to and from U.S. border for hours

A power line that fell over Highway 99 in Surrey, B.C., cut off a key route to and from the U.S. Peace Arch Border Crossing for nearly three hours on Thursday. BC Hydro, the Crown power utility, says a vehicle crashed into a power pole, bringing the line down across both directions of the highway.

B.C. power line cut access to Highway 99 to and from U.S. border for hours

Community in Crisis A Surge in Local Crime and Safety Concerns

In the heart of Surrey's bustling business district, a sense of unease has settled following a series of alarming incidents that have gripped the community. The seemingly business-as-usual surroundings of the Payal Business Centre, home to a myriad of South Asian businesses, have been marred by a recent surge in criminal activities, raising concerns among residents and entrepreneurs alike.

Community in Crisis A Surge in Local Crime and Safety Concerns

Darpan 10 With Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister Of Public Safety And Solicitor General

Public Safety has been an ongoing topic in the news with the recent spate of gun violence South of the Fraser. In Darpan 10, Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General for BC, The Honourable Mike Farnworth sheds light on crime, Surrey RCMP vs SPS saga, and the future of policing in Surrey.

Darpan 10 With Honourable Mike Farnworth, Minister Of Public Safety And Solicitor General

Hunger on the Rise Canadian Food Banks in High Demand

Earlier this year, there were an unprecedented 1.9 million visits to food banks in Canada. This is a 32% increase from 2022 and a 78% increase since before the pandemic. Unsurprisingly, food banks are approaching 2024 with growing concerns as the sustained increase in demand places additional strain on their resources and capacities.

Hunger on the Rise Canadian Food Banks in High Demand

BC snowmobiler dead

Police in eastern British Columbia are warning backcountry users to be ready for emergencies after a snowmobiler was killed and two skiers had to be rescued this week in separate incidents. RCMP in the Golden-Field detachment say the death happened on Jan. 21 when a snowmobile driven by a 24-year-old man left the trail down a steep embankment and hit some trees.

BC snowmobiler dead

Spike expected in homes sales in 2024

Homes sales in the province are forecast to increase this year by 7.8 per cent, in what the B-C Real Estate Association says will be a delicate balance for the market. The association’s Brian Ogmundson says headwinds slowed last year’s sales with elevated mortgage rates, but the recent decline in fixed mortgage rates and the potential for Bank of Canada rate cuts make it a more optimistic year.