MORNING NEWS SCRAMBLE

Doug Ford's accelerated rollout of booze in corner stores will cost province over $600 million: Budget watchdog

Premier Doug Ford's decision to speed up the rollout of alcohol sales in corner stores will cost the province over $600m - nearly three times the amount the PCs said it would cost to accelerate the timeline. The Financial Accountability Officer report says the expansion will cost $1.4 billion, and $612 million of that is due to the sped-up timing.

Timing is everything

Look over here!!! Just as the province is feeling the heat over the cost of alcohol sales expansion, the government announces new funding for family doctors… on the eve of Doug Ford’s election call. The province says the goal is to have everyone currently on the waitlist for a family doctor paired with a primary care provider by 2026. Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie says she is cynical about the timing of the election-style announcement and says this should have been done 7 years ago, shortly after Ford came to power.

NDP promise: Tah tah to 407 tolls

An election-style announcement from the Ontario NDP as well. NDP Leader Marit Stiles is promising to open negotiations with the owners of Hwy. 407 to try to remove all tolls for drivers if her party is elected in the upcoming provincial election. Stiles says she would remove tolls for trucks on the highway on Day 1 if elected.

POLL RESULTS: Election not needed

Yesterday we asked you the following question: “Premier Doug Ford says he’s calling an election for February 27th because he needs a “strong mandate” to counter tariff threats. Do you agree?

👎 88% - No. He already has a majority and plenty of time left in his current mandate.

👍 12% - Yes. He's right for asking the people.

(**Obviously not a scientific poll**)

Pearson it is, then!

The Feds say they’re finally dumping any plan to build an airport in Pickering and turning the land over to Parks Canada… for a park. The land was acquired fifty years ago, and any airport plan has always been controversial.

Another rate cut coming?

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem’s got a balancing act on his hands this week. The central bank announces its next rate decision on Wednesday, and a lot of experts are expecting another quarter point cut. That said, central bankers will need to make the decision amid the threat of a trade war with Canada’s biggest trading partner and will surely feel some pressure to keep their “powder dry”.

Report of another retailer shutting

A staple in rural Canada is closing.  Retail Insider reports that Peavey Mart is closing all of its 90+ stores across the county. The chain sells agricultural supplies, home improvement goods, and hardware. Retail Insider quotes a recent statement from the company’s CEO: “The Canadian retail environment has undergone significant disruptions in recent years, and Peavey has not been immune to these challenges.”

Taylor tourism boom for Toronto?

2024 was a very good year for Toronto tourism. Destination Toronto says nine million overnight tourists came to the city - the most since the pandemic. Visitor spending also reached levels never before seen in the city - a record $8.8 billion. So, why the big bump? The Taylor Eras effect? The NHL All-Star game?

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KEEP THE CHANGE

Sell it before sailing off into retirement!

Multiple cars, unused RVs, boats, and exercise equipment are all things that can either create clutter or financial drain. Money Canada has a list of 7 things you should sell before retirement to make and save some serious coin. Downsizing the house is another thing to think about.

Bird flu sends egg prices soaring in U.S.

The price of a dozen grade A eggs in the U.S. is up more than 20% since October, with people in some parts of the country reporting prices hitting $12 per dozen. The president of the American Egg Board tells Southern Living that the bird flu has been “devastating to egg farmers” with more than 40-million laying hens being lost in the last year. Despite what’s happening in the U.S., prices in Canada are “relatively stable” according to a report from Inside Halton.

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HEALTHY START

Recovery revolution

The Wall Street Journal features a report on how new methods are changing the way we heal from minor injuries like sprains, strains, and bruises. RICE – rest, ice, compression, and elevation – have long been part of the plan for dealing with minor injuries, but the article says medical experts are increasingly turning to careful movement and exercise to help promote the body’s natural healing process.

Inflammation fighters

If you’re looking to fight off inflammation, Real Simple has a list of 13 vegetables that dieticians say could help. These foods tend to contain antioxidants and fiber which helps your gut and immune system perform at its best.

AND… ANOTHER THING!

What to watch?

If you’re looking for some ideas of what to stream, Rotten Tomatoes has put together a list of the Best TV Shows for January 2025. Severance, The Night Agent, and The Pitt top the list of dozens of suggestions.

Have a totally awesome Tuesday!  Thanks for subscribing to Cockadoodle News!