Thunder Bay’s city council has voted to loosen eligibility rules for the city’s property tax and water credit program, removing a rule that barred people whose accounts were in arrears from applying. The program is open to seniors and people with disabilities living on low incomes. In a report, city staff said the restriction on those in arrears “has been identified as a barrier” that could prevent those most in need from accessing support. Over 500 people take advantage of the program, receiving tax credits of $400 and water credits of $200.
Feds moving to ban plastic straws, bags by end of 2022: Guilbeault
It's the end of days for plastic grocery bags and Styrofoam takeout containers in Canada, but the products can still be manufactured for export. Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault published draft regulations Tuesday outlining how Canada will ban the manufacture, sale and import of these items, along with plastic cutlery, stir sticks, straws and six-pack rings, by the end of next year.