World Headlines: New year, new tax benefits

First Up

By Manuela Vega

Catching the GO Train? Starting today, doors are closing a minute before departure time. Here’s what you need to know so you don’t miss your train.

Here’s the latest on the future of the RCMP, what’s behind the rebranding of quidditch and tax benefits and changes for 2023.

DON’T MISS

Canadian Press/Jeff McIntosh

policing

Should Canada dismantle its Mounties? Why some say the time has come

Sexual harassment scandals, allegations of a botched response to the Nova Scotia mass shooting and the potential loss of its largest detachment in Surrey, B.C. are among the issues landing a blow to the RCMP’s image in recent years — and they’re only adding to previous controversies. Can the 150-year old force redeem itself? Analysts say it’s becoming increasingly unclear as the future role of the national police is brought into question. Whether the answer lies in major reforms, a smaller scope of work or increased funding, Jeremy Nuttall reports on the possibilities.

More: Michael Boudreau, a professor of criminology at St. Thomas University in Fredericton, said the RCMP needs to become a federal force concerned with national crimes rather than local policing. “They were never designed to be a rural police force.”
By the numbers: In 2020-21, the RCMP received an estimated $3.5 billion from the federal government, according to an estimate from Public Safety Canada. It was seeking an increase of $221 million.

Scott Gardner/Hamilton Spectator

muggles at play

Goodbye quidditch, hello quadball. Canadian teams are closing the book on Harry Potter

It’s been 18 years since quidditch — a game that once existed only in Harry Potter’s fictional world — took on real life among students at Vermont college. Since then, it has become a fast-paced, mixed-gender, full-contact sport played in more than 30 countries. But the magic that once accompanied it is now fading amid controversial comments about the transgender community made by author J.K. Rowling, Janet Hurley reports. With Quidditch Canada set to rebrand in February, here’s a closer look at the name-changing process that started in American leagues before making its way to Canada.

Another angle: The decision also stems from the fact that Warner Bros owns the name, which poses challenges to sponsorship, marketing and growth implications, said Yara Kodershah, executive director of Quidditch Canada.
Go deeper: “J.K. Rowling’s comments created such tension for us because (transgender inclusion) is literally built into the DNA of the sport,” Kodershah said.

Toronto Star Photo Illustration

personal finance

Look out for these new tax benefits and changes coming in 2023

All three levels of government have introduced changes and new tax benefits for the year ahead — including a new vacant home tax in Toronto, a revision to the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, a shift in tax brackets and taxable income, and a tweak to the pandemic-era work-from-home credit, Clarrie Feinstein reports. Here’s what you need to know — and how you can make the adjustments work for you.

Why it matters: Although it may seem early to be thinking about taxes, tax expert and president of financial-education institute Knowledge Bureau Evelyn Jacks says it’s best to be aware of all the benefits now to receive optimal refunds.
Wait, what? Having an empty home in the middle of the housing crisis now comes at a personal cost. This Q&A explains what every homeowner needs to know about Toronto’s new vacant home tax.

WHAT ELSE

Three years after Flight PS752’s downing, families of victims continue seeking accountability from Iran.

Pro-Bolsonaro rioters stormed Brazil’s top government offices. Take a closer look at the chaos.

A Toronto group brings medieval living to the present. Here’s how they do it.

Intermittent fasting may change how your DNA is expressed. Here’s how it works.

How do you tell a relative with dementia they need to stop driving? A new digital tool offers a road map.

We need to stop demolishing — and start building. The case for zoning for rental apartments to create more affordable living.

Here are five recession-resistant Canadian stocks to watch this year.

What’s the best way to handle aggressive debt collectors? Know your rights.

As a priest, Michael Coren left the “pro-life” movement. Here’s why he did — and why it’s not necessary to pray outside abortion clinics.

If we’re heading into a recession, why are there so many jobs?

ICYMI

Toronto Star Illustration

A house with a yard and garage? Here’s how the postwar ideal launched generations onto the property ladder — and then vanished.

CLOSE-UP

R.J. Johnston/The Star

LITTLE INDIA: The vibrant exterior of Chandan Fashion is seen on the corner of Ashdale Avenue and Gerrard Street East. For almost 40 years, the iconic bridal shop has attracted people from across North America — and the family behind the staple is set to be the subject of an upcoming CBC series. Here’s what’s behind the shop’s staying power in a changing Little India.

Thank you for reading. You can reach me and the First Up team at firstup@thestar.ca. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.

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