The billion-dollar tax dodge on tobacco Sunday, March 3, 2013 According to numbers acquired through a Canadian Taxpayer's Federation (CTF) Freedom of Information request to the federal government, Status Indians in Ontario purchased the equivalent of 70 cigarettes daily per person last year, along with 1,000 cigars annually. The fact that they don't smoke that much points towards a tax dodge by non-status buyers of between $742 million and $1.2 billion, just from contraband cigarettes in Ontario.The CTF estimates that up to 79 per cent of all tax-free cigarettes intended for legal sale to Status Indians are illegally sold to those who are not, dodging $5.24 a pack in taxes.Fred Neukamm, chair of the Ontario Flue-Cured Tobacco Growers Marketing Board, allows that the contraband cigarettes may have been grown outside of the system. This year's legal crop is likely to be up somewhat from slightly more than 50 million pounds in 2012 because of increased demand from China. BF Polo ponies go where food won't Antioxidants may actually cause cancer, says Nobel laureate
Hensall Co Op Strengthens Rural Futures Tuesday, September 29, 2026 Supporting local communities has long been an important part of Hensall Co-op's mission. Through its Strong Communities Initiative, the agricultural cooperative has contributed more than $180,000 to nonprofit organizations over the past six years. The program focuses on helping groups... Read this article online
Green Care Farms celebrates five years of dementia care Monday, September 28, 2026 What a wonderful event! As communities recognize World Alzheimer's Day 2026, Green Care Farms marked a major milestone: five seasons operating Canada's first care farm designed specifically for people living with dementia. The celebration took place on September 19, 2026, at Andrews... Read this article online
Harvest Weather Alert: Midwest Rain Risks Rise as Super El Nino Strengthens Monday, September 28, 2026 As summer gives way to autumn, farmers across the U.S. Midwest and parts of Canada are watching a weather pattern that appears poised to become increasingly active during the heart of harvest season. According to Nutrien Ag Solutions meteorologist Eric Snodgrass, recent atmospheric... Read this article online
International Plowing Match Wraps Up with Champions, Parades and Rural Pride Monday, September 28, 2026 The 107th International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) concluded Saturday, September 26, after a week that celebrated Ontario agriculture through competition, community spirit and a series of crowd-pleasing parades. Held in Bruce County from September 22 to 26, the event attracted... Read this article online
Canada’s Investment Boom Must Reach Beyond Big Cities, Says Rural Prosperity Group Monday, September 28, 2026 Canada’s first-ever Investment Summit generated headlines for the sheer size of the commitments announced. Federal officials said the event attracted investment commitments approaching $500 billion, with projects spanning critical minerals, artificial intelligence, energy,... Read this article online