Is Taiwan Semiconductor’s Stock on the Decline? You Won’t Believe What Analysts Are Saying

Business owners say they've been left with questions about how a temporary tax exemption to the GST will work after the federal government announcement the policy earlier this week. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new measure to provide relief to Canadians still dealing with cost-of-living concerns. The tax break, which still needs approval in the House of Commons, will last for two months. Among items included in the tax break includes alcoholic beverages, snack foods, diapers, printed books, audiobooks, Christmas trees and children's toys for kids under 14. At Out of the Box, a store that has more than 3,000 board games for all ages in Ottawa's Bells Corners neighbourhood, owner Jimmy Sirmas says he and his team will have to go through them all to find which games qualify and which don't. One of the most popular games is Warhammer 40,000, a miniature war game for ages 12 and up. While the exemption should apply to the popular game, he doesn't want to be wrong. "This is one of the items we just need clarification will be included," he said. "With it being one of our biggest sellers, it could have a huge impact on our business." Sirmas says its been frustrating to see little communication on specifics of the new policy. "We've just been reading online what's going to be included," he says. "And then we're getting lots of questions from customers." He says at an important time of year for his store, he's noticed a slowdown as people wait for the exemption to kick in. He says he's also getting customers asking to put items aside so they can come back when they are. "It's a lot of confusion," he said. "I think it's a good idea to help people out a little bit, but it definitely seems a little rushed at this time of year, especially for small businesses that are being impacted already with the Canada Post strike." He says he hopes the policy helps his customers. Some shoppers like Aileen Connelly aren't sure it is helping those who need it most. The government is not exempting items they call "basic groceries," which includes fresh, frozen, canned or sealed fruits and vegetables and most milk products and eggs. "A lot of people are struggling to buy groceries and just basic items," said Connelly. "And they probably can't even afford to buy Christmas presents. So how is this going to help them?" Nearby, at Scotty's Corner Diner, owner Jodi Statham says she doesn't know yet if it will have any effect on her business. "I hope to see that it helps us out. But do I think it's going to change all that much? Not too sure. It's around the holiday season so people choose between Christmas presents or food." Regular customer Andrew Christea says he believes the two-month tax break will be a good incentive. "Things are getting more expensive these days and people are trying to stay in, I'm trying to save money" he said. "But I like coming out and supporting the local businesses. So I think it'll be good for us." GST, which stands for goods and services tax, is a federal tax that applies to most, but not all, goods and services in Canada. An estimated 18.7 million people will receive a cheque this spring, costing the government about $4.7 billion. The tax exemption will run from Dec. 14 until Feb. 15, 2025. With files from CTVNews.ca Ottawa Top Stories Ottawa councillor violated Code of Conduct for daycare incident last summer, integrity commissioner concludes Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car 290,000 speeding tickets and counting: A look at how many photo radar tickets have been issued in Ottawa in 2024 What's happening in Ottawa this weekend: Nov.22-24 5 tips on how to winterize your home Seniors facing 60% hike for OC Transpo monthly transit pass in 2025 under new proposal Ottawa Food Bank declares an emergency amid record-breaking usage Orleans man calls for changes after service guide dog attacked by another dog CTVNews.ca Top Stories Walking pneumonia is surging in Canada. Is this unusual? CTVNews.ca spoke with various medical experts to find out the latest situation with the typically mild walking pneumonia in their area and whether parents should be worried. Trump picks Brooke Rollins to be agriculture secretary U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Brooke Rollins, president of the America First Policy Institute, to be agriculture secretary. Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying 'hatred and antisemitism' were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the 'complicity' of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Retiring? Here's how to switch from saving for your golden years to spending The last paycheque from a decades-long career arrives next Friday and the nest egg you built during those working years will now turn into a main source of income. It can be a jarring switch from saving for retirement to spending in retirement. Police thought this gnome looked out of place. Then they tested it for drugs During a recent narcotics investigation, Dutch police said they found a garden gnome made of approximately two kilograms of MDMA. 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off. Canada's top general takes on U.S. senator in defending womens' role in combat units Canada's top general firmly rejected the notion of dropping women from combat roles -- a position promoted by president-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defence secretary -- at a security forum underway in Halifax on Saturday. Ottawa driver fined for hauling thousands of empty cans in trunk of car Ontario Provincial Police stopped an Ottawa man for dangerously hauling thousands of empty cans from the back of his car. Canadians are craving to take a 'adult gap year.' Here's why Canadian employees are developing an appetite for an 'adult gap year': a meaningful break later in life to refocus, refresh and indulge in something outside their daily routine, according to experts. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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Canada Post down eight million parcels amid strike as talk carry on over weekend Canada Post says it has seen a shortage of more than eight million parcels amid an ongoing strike that has effectively shut down the postal system for nine days compared with the same period in 2023. 17-year-old dies following single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek: N.B. RCMP A 17-year-old boy from Petitcodiac, N.B., has died following a single-vehicle crash in Turtle Creek, N.B. Toronto 'Her shoe got sucked into the escalator': Toronto family warns of potential risk of wearing Crocs A Toronto family is speaking out after their 10-year-old daughter's Crocs got stuck in an escalator, ripping the entire toe area of the clog off. 'Still working full time on it:' One year later police continue to search for gunman in Caledon double murder linked to ex-Olympian One year after a couple was shot and killed in their Caledon home in what investigators have described as a case of mistaken identity, Ontario Provincial Police say they are still trying to figure out who pulled the trigger. Maple Leafs' Matthews says Wednesday return possible after visiting doctor in Germany Auston Matthews is back in Toronto and says a return to action Wednesday is possible after the injured Maple Leafs captain visited a doctor in Germany. Montreal Quebec MNAs continue screen time consultations with students Quebec's special commission on the impact of screen time and social media addiction among youth made a stop at Westmount High School this week, speaking directly with students about their habits and concerns. Ottawa to deliver apology, $45M in compensation for Nunavik Inuit dog slaughter The federal government is providing $45 million in compensation to Inuit in Nunavik as part of Canada's apology for its role in the killing of sled dogs between the mid-1950s and the late 1960s. Joly, Blair condemn anti-NATO protest in Montreal that saw fires, smashed windows Federal cabinet ministers condemned an anti-NATO protest in Montreal that turned violent on Friday, saying "hatred and antisemitism" were on display, but protesters deny the claim, saying they demonstrated against the "complicity" of NATO member countries in a war that has killed thousands of Palestinians. Northern Ontario Northern Ont. First Nation files claim against Ontario and Newmont mining Taykwa Tagamou Nation, a Cree First Nation located within Treaty 9, has filed a statement of claim against the Province of Ontario and Newmont, a mining company that owns properties in Timmins. Senior killed in dog attack in northern Ont. An 81-year-old was killed in a dog attack this week in Bonfield, Ont. Police believe three dogs were involved. Whole Foods carrots pulled in expanded recall for E. coli: CFIA The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has announced an expanded recall on carrots over risks of E. coli O121 contamination, according to a notice issued Friday. Windsor Charity produces record amounts of non-perishable food amidst rise in food insecurity A Windsor-Essex charitable organization created a record amount of non-perishable food amidst an increase in food insecurity, both at home and abroad. No impaired drivers detected during Friday night RIDE checks The Windsor Police Service reports no detected impaired drivers on Friday night during their RIDE checks. Truck fire on the Ambassador Bridge Windsor fire responded to a transport truck fire on Friday afternoon on the Ambassador Bridge. London Two people airlifted, several taken to hospital due to collision Two people have been airlifted to hospital following a serious collision in Norfolk County. South Bruce residents vote in favour of hosting nuclear waste project in narrow referendum South Bruce residents narrowly voted in favour of plans to bury Canada’s most radioactive nuclear waste under their municipality on Monday. St. Thomas, Ont. and San Jose, Calif. celebrate hockey legend on night his jersey is retired The Jumbo elephant monument in St. Thomas, Ont. will be lit in teal Saturday night as the city honours hockey legend Joe Thornton. Kitchener Advocates push for anti-renoviction bylaws as Waterloo Region reports affordable housing progress On National Housing Day, housing advocacy group ACORN continued to push for anti-renoviction bylaws. Man charged in Kitchener crash involving Grand River Transit LRT Charges were laid after a crash between an LRT train and a Dodge vehicle shut down a busy Kitchener street for more than eight hours on Thursday. How University of Waterloo researchers could help charge your devices by moving your body Imagine being able to charge your devices through your body’s movements. Barrie New Orillia Christmas tree shines bright After Orillia’s underwhelming Christmas tree-lighting ceremony last year became a viral sensation, the City lit a new, bigger, brighter and healthier tree Friday evening. Missing man in Collingwood Collingwood OPP are searching for a 79-year-old man who was last seen early Saturday morning. Highway 400 reopens in Muskoka Lakes after fatal propane truck rollover Highway 400 reopened late Friday night in Georgian Bay Township after emergency crews tended to a fatal tanker truck rollover Friday morning. Winnipeg Missing Neepawa senior found dead: RCMP An 81-year-old man who went missing Friday has been found dead, Spruce Plains RCMP said. Snowfall warning in effect for southwestern Manitoba Some areas could expect snowfall totals of 15 to 25 centimetres. The Thriftmas Special: The benefits of second-hand holiday shopping The holidays may be a time for family, joy and togetherness, but they can also be hard on the wallet. Calgary Snowfall warning for Calgary and southern Alberta expected to continue throughout Saturday A snowfall warning for Calgary remained in effect early Saturday morning and looks poised to be hanging around all weekend. Need something fixed? Repair Exchange Calgary has a volunteer for that Repair Exchange Calgary is bringing a few good fixers to the Hillhurst Flea Market on Sunday. Spruce Meadows Christmas Market adds Allen the Alpaca to Sunday lineup The Spruce Meadows Christmas Market is bringing in a special guest Sunday. Edmonton From Instagram to IRL: Where to find this year's trendy treats in Edmonton From globally-inspired pastries to vegan fast food and Connor McDavid-themed culinary delights, Edmonton has a lot to offer anyone looking to try something trendy. Edmonton calls parking ban after city hit with heavy snowfall Edmonton has called its first parking ban of the season as the city remained under a snowfall warning. Hit-and-run driver wanted after pedestrian hit in southeast Edmonton Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver after a pedestrian was hit on Thursday night. Regina City of Regina releases snowfall response plan ahead of next blast of wintery weather Many parts of Saskatchewan will be hit with another round of wintery weather on Saturday, and Regina is no exception, with up to 25 centimetres of snow expected to accumulate. 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Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. B.C. woman sentenced for stealing $14K in funds raised for schoolkids A B.C. woman who stole more than $14,000 in volunteer-raised funds that were supposed to be spent on school supplies and programs – including hot meals for vulnerable kids – won't spend any time in jail. Stay ConnectedWarning over hiking apps after 'virtually identical' rescues on Vancouver North Shore VANCOUVER — The search and rescue organization for Metro Vancouver's North Shore mountains is warning people to do their research after international visitors became stranded in two separate incidents while relying on hiking apps to plan their routes Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press Dec 5, 2024 3:25 PM Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message The search and rescue organization for Metro Vancouver's North Shore mountains says its teams recently rescued two international visitors who became stranded in rugged terrain after relying on online hiking apps without doing further research. The North Shore mountains are shown in Vancouver on Nov. 23, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck VANCOUVER — The search and rescue organization for Metro Vancouver's North Shore mountains is warning people to do their research after international visitors became stranded in two separate incidents while relying on hiking apps to plan their routes. North Shore Rescue was called in on Nov. 28 to rescue a man from Norway who the organization said "seriously underestimated the difficulty" of a route marked in an online hiking app. Rescuers were back on a nearby mountain three nights later for a "virtually identical" operation, the group said in a social media post. Allan McMordie with North Shore Rescue managed the Sunday night rescue of a man at Goat Ridge, a backcountry area behind Grouse Mountain. He said the man from France told rescuers he had not been expecting snow, despite two of the local ski hills opening with fresh powder last month. "All you had to do was look at the top of the mountains from Vancouver and know there's snow up there," he said in an interview. "To be in running shoes and not even expecting any snow was pretty naive." The man had set out on a marked route, then decided to make his way through very rough, steep terrain to a separate trail at significantly higher elevation. "This is rugged backcountry," McMordie said. "It's almost impassable." McMordie could not confirm which apps the hikers in both recent rescues were using, but said a lack of any marked route or trail reports is a good indication to stop and turn around, and in any case, trip planning should involve multiple sources of information. If the man from France had done any research, McMordie said he would have discovered the backcountry area where he was rescued is closed for the winter. In both recent cases, he said there were signs at each trailhead with maps showing trails and topography, along with reminders about key steps in trip planning, he said. Both men were lucky to have been able to make 911 calls, McMordie added, as service is patchy in the area and their phone batteries had nearly run out. Above all, he said hikers should tell someone else where they're going and when they expect to return, so that person can alert local authorities if necessary. "Absolutely nobody knew where this person was and what he was doing that day," McMordie said of the man from France. "If he had not been able to get that (911) call out, he would still be there." North Shore Rescue said the course taken by the man from Norway was "barely a trail" in the summer and "nothing whatsoever" in the winter, making for "full mountaineering conditions" at this time of year. He called for help after hiking for eight hours that left him "tired, soaked (and) hypothermic" as the sun was setting," it said. It's doubtful the man would have survived the night in the Mount Seymour backcountry if he hadn't been able to make the call, the rescue group added. The man had been staying in a short-term accommodation and had taken an Uber to the trailhead. Only his girlfriend in Norway knew where he was, and he was not wearing or carrying adequate gear for the conditions, McMordie said. Vancouver-based Stephen Hui, the author of several B.C. hiking guidebooks, said the rough, mountainous terrain steps away from urban Metro Vancouver and the extent of the snowpack in winter is a surprise for many visiting hikers. Hui said online apps can be helpful and often provide commentary about trail conditions from other hikers, but it's crucial to look at additional sources of information, including complete maps and provincial and national park websites. He said local authorities and outdoor groups have some responsibility for people heading into the backcountry, and there is room for more signage and education. Ultimately, though, he said people must be responsible for themselves. "We can't handhold everybody," he said. "There's always going to be dangers in hiking." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 5, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian Press See a typo/mistake? Have a story/tip? This has been shared 0 times 0 Shares Share by Email Share on Facebook Share on X Share on LinkedIn Print Share via Text Message More National Business Police release new photos as they search for the gunman who killed UnitedHealthcare CEO Dec 5, 2024 3:50 PM Chief 'disappointed' to see clean water used as a political tactic by Conservatives Dec 5, 2024 3:34 PM Lululemon CEO sees progress in company's efforts to address past lack of newness Dec 5, 2024 3:11 PM Featured FlyerMorrissey throws 67-yard TD pass to Calwise Jr. to lift Eastern Kentucky over North Alabama 21-15Published 5:38 pm Friday, December 6, 2024 By Data Skrive Saturday’s contest features the Oklahoma Sooners (8-0) and the Alcorn State Braves (0-10) matching up at McCasland Field House in what is expected to be a lopsided matchup, with a projected 84-58 victory for heavily favored Oklahoma according to our computer prediction. Game time is at 8:00 PM ET on December 7. Based on our computer prediction, Alcorn State is a good bet to cover the spread, which is currently listed at 32.5. The two teams are projected to exceed the 140.5 over/under. Catch tons of live college basketball , plus original programming, with ESPN+ or the Disney Bundle. Place your bets on any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Sign up today using our link. Oklahoma’s record against the spread this season is 5-3-0, and Alcorn State’s is 4-5-0. The Sooners are 4-4-0 and the Braves are 3-6-0 in terms of hitting the over. The teams put up 135 points per game combined, 5.5 less than this matchup’s over/under. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Rep your favorite players with officially licensed gear. Head to Fanatics to find jerseys, shirts, hats, and much more. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .

Stanley has been busier than ever this December and we’re only one week in. In case you missed it, Stanley released a whole slew of new tumblers, including a limited-edition Christmas Scarlet Tinsel tumbler, the long-awaited leakproof ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler with Leakproof Lid , and Leo Messi GOAT collection . Normally, it takes a little while for new Stanley releases to make it to Amazon, but you can already buy the ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler in four different sizes (14 oz., 20 oz., 30 oz., and 40 oz.) in a variety of different colors. These tumblers range in price from $20 to $45, depending on which size you buy. The real beauty of Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumblers is the leakproof ProTour Flip Straw lid. The new lid design allows you to “flip up the built-in straw to sip, then snap it shut when you’re done,” so the tumbler is finally leakproof. Stanley has also taken a step back from its traditional logo design with a vertical logo placement. The tumblers also have a two-tone lid and all the other features of Stanley’s classic Quenchers. Stanley Leakproof Tumbler: Where to find it on Amazon Since this product is brand new and was highly requested, a number of colors are already out of stock on Amazon. Only the 30 oz. and 40 oz. are available and in stock in every color on Amazon right now. Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler with Leakproof Lid 14 oz – For $20 – Only available in Black Fade Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler with Leakproof Lid 20 oz – For $30 – Available in Azure Fade and Vivid Violet Fade Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler with Leakproof Lid 30 oz – For $35 – Available Azure Fade, Black Fade, Black Solid, Cream Solid, Frost Fade, Frost Solid, Rose Quartz Fade, Rose Quartz Solid, and Vivid Violet Fade Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler with Leakproof Lid 40 oz – For $45 – Available Azure Fade, Black Fade, Black Solid, Cream Solid, Frost Fade, Frost Solid, Rose Quartz Fade, Rose Quartz Solid, and Vivid Violet Fade The Best Gift Guides of 2024 16 gift ideas for ‘Nightmare Before Christmas’ fans 20 travel gifts for the jetsetter in your life 8 Black Friday video game deals to add to your wish list Where to find these 11 Christmas toys at the top of everyone’s wish list for 2024 before they sell out 30 skincare and makeup gifts you need to add to your Christmas wish list Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Dawn Magyar can be reached at dmagyar@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips/ .Robertson has 'no regrets' over GB hockey career

A former Penticton support worker who claimed discrimination for refusing to take the COVID-19 vaccine has had her complaint against the B.C. General Employees' Union dismissed by the Labour Relations Board. According to the Nov. 22 decision, Amie Harbor claimed that her employer had constructively dismissed her for failing to disclose her vaccination status, and alleged that the union had provided bad faith and discriminatory representation when she filed a grievance with them. Harbor started work for Thomspon Community Services (TCS) in 2018 and stopped in 2021 after the public health order requiring vaccinations against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic went into effect. Ahead of the order coming into effect, Harbor declined to share her vaccination status with her employer and had informed them that she was seeking an accommodation due to her "strongly and conscientiously held political beliefs" that align with those of the BC Libertarian Party. To support her request, she attached a letter of support from Keith MacIntyre, the party's leader. According to the Labour Relations Board's decision, Harbor's employer then informed her that before it could make an accommodation assessment, needed her to disclose her vaccination status. TCS also requested evidence of more long-term involvement with the BC Libertarians, asking for any membership receipts or documentation. "In terms of the letter of this date from Mr. MacIntyre, we have received several very similar letters and will require more substantive evidence of your long-term political belief and participation with the British Columbia Libertarian Party," TCS was quoted as saying. TCS also noted in its reply to Harbor's accommodation request that she should notify the union of her request and also asked how her case was different from a BC Human Rights Tribunal case heard already that year. Harbor did not provide any of that information, and once the deadline arrived, was placed on an unpaid leave due to failing to meet the requirements of the provincial health order. A year later, Harbor went to the union to ask about filing a grievance over the issue. The union then contacted TCS, which informed both them and Harbor that it remained willing to end the leave should the public health order be lifted or if Harbor discloses her vaccination status for TCS to do an assessment. A month after that, Harbor officially filed a grievance claiming that TCS had constructively dismissed her from employment, discriminated against her, psychologically harassed and terminated without cause. All of the claims were denied by TCS, and the union initially forwarded the case to arbitration, before deciding otherwise. A staff representative then informed Harbor that the union had decided against going to arbitration after further review and multiple other arbitrations that had found ineligibility to work under a public health order offering just cause for termination. Harbor then appealed the decision not to go to arbitration to the Union's Area Grievance Appeal Committee, which finally dismissed the appeal in February of 2024. The provincial appeal committee declined to hear a further appeal of the area committee's decision. As a result, Harbor brought forward a complaint against the union, claiming that they had made representations and responded to her grievance based on "a pre-determined, discriminatory position regarding employees and vaccine choice." To back up her argument, she pointed to publications made by the union in advance of the public health order taking effect which had sections pointing out accommodations could be applied for on a medical basis, which Harbor argued disregarded political beliefs. The Labour Relations Board rejected Harbors arguments, stating that the staff representative had explicitly considered her accommodation request for her political beliefs, and came to the decision not to advance the grievance to arbitration due to a lack of compelling evidence of success. "Similarly, the GAC considered the issue of the applicant’s request for an exemption due to her political belief in its decision dated February 1, 2024," reads the Board's decision. "Again, there is no indication in the GAC’s response to the Applicant that it relied on a view that there could be, or should be, no exemptions for pollical beliefs." The board also noted that Harbor had waited a year before filing the grievance, that Harbor had not disclosed her status to even begin the accommodation assessment, and that she had not provided any additional material as requested by TCS.Earthquake of magnitude 7.0 hits Northern California