Latest news with #McEwan
Glasgow Times
21-05-2025
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow man stopped in Audi had cocaine in underpants
Greig McEwan was stopped by police in his grey Audi around 10.30pm near Freelands Crescent, Old Kilpatrick a year ago. Officers went to speak to the 25-year-old and noticed he was nervous and placed his hands on the front of his trousers. They formed the opinion he was in possession of drugs. An initial cursory search failed to turn up anything but then they noticed a bag on the floor. A full search at Clydebank police office found six knotted bags in the front of his underwear. There were another four in the rear. They tested positive for cocaine and the total value was £160. McEwan, of McIntyre Street, Anderston, Glasgow, later pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of the class A drug on April 5, 2024. At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on May 13, Sheriff Lorna Anderson ordered him to do 135 hours of unpaid work in the community within nine months. She added that would allow "wriggle room" if he got work offshore.
Hamilton Spectator
20-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Importers warn new duty payment system will cause headaches, delays on top of Trump's tariffs
MONTREAL - Importers are warning that the launch of a new online payment regime this week will cause financial headaches and logistical snarls for shippers bringing goods into Canada. Fresh rules come into force Tuesday that require businesses importing products into the country to post a security deposit, among other financial commitments. As of last week, only about 30 per cent of the country's more than 190,000 active importers had registered with federal authorities to do so, according to information provided to customs brokerage groups by the Canada Border Services Agency and obtained by The Canadian Press. 'It's going to be an absolute mess,' said Lisa McEwan, co-owner of customs brokerage firm Hemisphere Freight. Until now, importers have enjoyed a system of 'release prior to payment' (RPP) where goods are cleared at the border without taxes and duties being paid immediately on entry. But the new RPP rules require a cash deposit or a guarantee known as a surety bond to secure release. Ushered in under a new online portal for border tax and tariff collection, the stricter regime known as CARM aims to make sure the government can collect even if the shipper fails to come up with the cash, such as in bankruptcy cases. 'New importers are already going through so many hoops with this CARM and getting registered,' McEwan said. 'Each of those things are a cost and a hassle and that impacts the cost to consumers.' The deposit comes on top of tariffs facing many shippers for the first time this year after U.S. President Donald Trump set off a trade war. One of McEwan's clients recently found she owed $32,000 in duties on a $150,000 shipment of light fixtures. Others who ship in clothing, beauty products and air conditioners have also been hit hard. The higher tariff can mean bigger customs bonds or cash deposits under the new payment system, since the tallies are calculated based on the monthly taxes and fees owing on shipments. Some took issue with those metrics. For those who haven't posted a bond, the cash deposit is based on the largest of a company's monthly loads over the past year, said Winnipeg-based customs broker Alan Dewar. 'My highest month was $5,000 (in taxes and duties), but every other month is, like, $100 because I just do a lot of business around Christmas,' he said, citing the example of a client. 'That $5,000 comes out of my cash flow, to just sit there until I decide to close my business.' Importers who fail to enroll will have to show up in person and pay duties and taxes on the spot. 'We're already seeing disruptions to supply chains and cross-border trade. Now is not the time to push for these changes,' said Corinne Pohlmann, head of advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in a release last week. 'Smaller importers, especially those importing only once or twice a year, would rather have an option of paying with a credit card on file than provide a cash deposit or buy a yearly security bond.' The federal government's digital platform for paying duties — called the Canada Border Services Agency Assessment Revenue Management project, or CARM — marks a broader effort to streamline the old, paper-based process that customs officials relied on for decades. The agency has said the portal will smooth out cross-border transport by offering tens of thousands of shippers direct access to their information, and a user-friendly platform for submitting documents while shoring up enforcement. Though only a minority of importers have enrolled in the RPP portion, those that have signed up account for more than 80 per cent of goods brought into the country, according to the CBSA. The agency has reached out with repeated reminders about rules and deadlines phased in since April 2024. Importers who have not set up a CARM account have until October to have a customs brokerage swap in its own business number as an interim measure. Registering typically takes 10 minutes and can be done online or in-person at a border crossing, brokers and the CBSA noted. McEwan, nonetheless, stressed the new payment requirements are a 'hindrance.' 'People are throwing in the towel,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2025.
Hamilton Spectator
19-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Importers warn new duty payment system will cause headaches, delays on top of tariffs
MONTREAL - Importers are warning that the launch of a new online payment regime this week will cause financial headaches and logistical snarls for shippers bringing goods into Canada. Fresh rules come into force Tuesday that require businesses importing products into the country to post a security deposit, among other financial commitments. As of last week, only about 30 per cent of the country's more than 190,000 active importers had registered with federal authorities to do so, according to information provided to customs brokerage groups by the Canada Border Services Agency and obtained by The Canadian Press. 'It's going to be an absolute mess,' said Lisa McEwan, co-owner of customs brokerage firm Hemisphere Freight. Until now, importers have enjoyed a system of 'release prior to payment' (RPP) where goods are cleared at the border without taxes and duties being paid immediately on entry. But the new RPP rules require a cash deposit or a guarantee known as a surety bond to secure release. Ushered in under a new online portal for border tax and tariff collection, the stricter regime known as CARM aims to make sure the government can collect even if the shipper fails to come up with the cash, such as in bankruptcy cases. 'New importers are already going through so many hoops with this CARM and getting registered,' McEwan said. 'Each of those things are a cost and a hassle and that impacts the cost to consumers.' The deposit comes on top of tariffs facing many shippers for the first time this year after U.S. President Donald Trump set off a trade war. One of McEwan's clients recently found she owed $32,000 in duties on a $150,000 shipment of light fixtures. Others who ship in clothing, beauty products and air conditioners have also been hit hard. The higher tariff can mean bigger customs bonds or cash deposits under the new payment system, since the tallies are calculated based on the monthly taxes and fees owing on shipments. Some took issue with those metrics. For those who haven't posted a bond, the cash deposit is based on the largest of a company's monthly loads over the past year, said Winnipeg-based customs broker Alan Dewar. 'My highest month was $5,000 (in taxes and duties), but every other month is, like, $100 because I just do a lot of business around Christmas,' he said, citing the example of a client. 'That $5,000 comes out of my cash flow, to just sit there until I decide to close my business.' Importers who fail to enroll will have to show up in person and pay duties and taxes on the spot. 'We're already seeing disruptions to supply chains and cross-border trade. Now is not the time to push for these changes,' said Corinne Pohlmann, head of advocacy at the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, in a release last week. 'Smaller importers, especially those importing only once or twice a year, would rather have an option of paying with a credit card on file than provide a cash deposit or buy a yearly security bond.' The federal government's digital platform for paying duties — called the Canada Border Services Agency Assessment Revenue Management project, or CARM — marks a broader effort to streamline the old, paper-based process that customs officials relied on for decades. The agency has said the portal will smooth out cross-border transport by offering tens of thousands of shippers direct access to their information, and a user-friendly platform for submitting documents while shoring up enforcement. Though only a minority of importers have enrolled in the RPP portion, those that have signed up account for more than 80 per cent of goods brought into the country, according to the CBSA. The agency has reached out with repeated reminders about rules and deadlines phased in since April 2024. Importers who have not set up a CARM account have until October to have a customs brokerage swap in its own business number as an interim measure. Registering typically takes 10 minutes and can be done online or in-person at a border crossing, brokers and the CBSA noted. McEwan, nonetheless, stressed the new payment requirements are a 'hindrance.' 'People are throwing in the towel,' she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 19, 2025.
The Guardian
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Do we really need more male novelists?
'Where have all the literary blokes gone?' is a question that has popped up in bookish discussions and op-eds from time to time in recent years. Who are this generation's hotshot young male novelists, the modern incarnations of the Amis/McEwan/Rushdie crew of the 80s? The question flared again this week as writer Jude Cook launched a new press, Conduit Books, which plans to focus, at least initially, on publishing male authors. Cook says the publishing landscape has changed 'dramatically' over the last 15 years as a reaction to the 'toxic male-dominated' scene of the 80s, 90s and 00s. Now, excitement in publishing circles centres on a 'new breed of young female authors, spearheaded by Sally Rooney et al'. While this is 'only right as a timely corrective', the side-effect is that male authors are 'often overlooked', their voices deemed problematic. Are male novelists actually in decline? Some metrics certainly say so: of all the writers to appear on the weekly Sunday Times bestseller lists for fiction hardbacks so far this year, just a third are men. However, there are multiple ways to cut the pie. Though women dominate the fiction charts, Richard Osman's novels took the top two spots for the most books sold in the UK last year. While the 2024 Booker prize shortlist featured five women and one man, the 2023 list had more people called Paul than women. In nonfiction the picture is clearer: men make up 63% of authors to feature on the Sunday Times nonfiction hardback bestseller lists so far this year and 70% of those on the nonfiction paperback charts, with titles such as Atomic Habits by James Clear continuing to sell well years after publication. Writers and publishing insiders disagree over the extent of the gender imbalance in fiction, and the extent to which that imbalance is a concern. 'It is indeed the case that publishers are finding it increasingly difficult to break out male writers, as [publisher] Hannah Westland noted a few years ago', said Neel Mukherjee, author of novels including The Lives of Others. In 2021, Westland told the Observer that the 'paths to success' are narrower for male writers. 'There is no doubt male voices talking about male experiences – in middle age especially – are not getting much traction among agencies and publishers at the moment,' said one male agent, who asked to remain anonymous. However, men are 'hardly underrepresented in the entertainment industry, and they need to earn their place as much as anyone else'. Men 'should make the work and let everyone decide if it's worth anyone's time, rather than pretend they are a minority in the arts', says Sheena Patel, author of I'm a Fan. 'I feel like men are doing just fine.' Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion Madeleine Milburn, who runs the leading literary agency of the same name, thinks we do need more male novelists. 'There was certainly a time when we needed more female novelists, particularly in the areas of crime and suspense, so I'm thrilled that female-led psychological suspense is still so popular, but the pendulum ultimately needs to land somewhere in the middle,' she said. While Milburn is 'excited' about Conduit Books, she believes 'we also need more male editors acquiring fiction in the areas men want to read'. The latest Publishers Association workforce survey suggests that 68% of publishing staff are women. Another female agent said that class may be a 'bigger issue than gender when it comes to what's being published'. Lacking racial representation also continues to be a problem: just one person of colour appeared on each of the Top 10 fiction and nonfiction hardback bestseller lists last week, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie for fiction and Roxie Nafousi for nonfiction. Luke Brown, the author of My Biggest Lie and Theft, said he knows 'so many working-class men from my generation who got into reading fiction through Irvine Welsh, for example, because it spoke to a world they recognised'. Welsh himself says that 'men need to start reading before they start writing. My take is that men are becoming stupider because they over-rely on the internet and women are becoming smarter because they read more books.' Indeed, some suggest the decline of male novelists being commissioned is due to low demand from men. In 2024, 37% of fiction purchases in the UK were made by men, according to NielsenIQ BookData. While women buy more books overall, having made 58% of all book purchases last year, men buy more nonfiction (55% v 45% bought by women). 'Men need to read women and I think women should read men,' says Brown. 'It's one of the great ways we can come to understand each other better'. Cook's new venture met with some criticism online. However, Mukherjee said that the project comes from a position that is 'the opposite of Farage-ist grievance or misogyny-driven rabble-rousing.' 'No doubt there will be a lot of hand-wringing about this, and condemnation' he added. 'But writing and publishing are not zero-sum games.'
Cision Canada
01-05-2025
- Business
- Cision Canada
Great Gulf Group Announces Culinary Partnership with McEwan Group at Lora Bay and Taboo Muskoka
TORONTO, May 1, 2025 /CNW/ - Great Gulf Group ("Great Gulf"), a leading North American real estate company and the owner and operator of Lora Bay and Taboo Muskoka, announces a new culinary partnership with the McEwan Group, led by renowned Canadian Chef Mark McEwan. This partnership brings a fresh, elevated dining experience to both properties. Lora Bay, located on Georgian Bay, is a premier golf club surrounded by a residential lifestyle community, while Taboo Muskoka is a celebrated resort destination featuring one of Canada's Top 100 golf courses. This collaboration further strengthens Great Gulf's commitment to exceptional experiences across its portfolio. Through expert guidance from Chef McEwan and his team, both properties have undergone a thoughtful transformation of their culinary programs. The McEwan Group has been closely involved at both sites in menu development, kitchen staff training, and recipe curation, ensuring the distinctive menus are rooted in quality, creativity, and classic flavors. Signature Flavours Redefine Destination Dining The Lora Bay Restaurant now offers a refreshed, community-focused dining experience that goes beyond the golf course, featuring approachable contemporary cuisine with coastal influences. Situated within the beautiful clubhouse overlooking the bay, the restaurant emphasizes accessibility, local appeal, and versatile offerings that serve both residents and visitors. With seasonal seafood specials and a selection of thoughtfully crafted signature dishes, the menu blends comfort and originality in a setting that feels familiar yet distinct, reflecting the inclusive spirit of the Lora Bay community. The Boathouse Restaurant at Taboo Muskoka has embraced a renewed culinary identity centered on approachable, elevated Italian cuisine. Serving hotel residents, cottagers, and the local community, the warm and welcoming ambiance with a modern cottage feel is set against the scenic backdrop of Lake Muskoka. The menu is designed for flexibility offering dine-in, takeout, and catering options and features reimagined Italian classics crafted with local ingredients, elevating the everyday dining experience. "Lora Bay is home to my family, and now we will bring our hospitality vision to life not only in the restaurant but also on the course, elevating the overall experience while also creating a destination restaurant in Thornbury and beyond. Muskoka has always been on McEwan Group's radar, and we couldn't be more excited to partner with the Taboo and Great Gulf teams as we look to put the resort back on the culinary map as a true Ontario dining destination," said Mark McEwan. "We've partnered with the McEwan Group to develop menus that reflect our unique culinary vision while maintaining the highest standards," said Nigel Hollidge, Managing Director, Resort Development at Great Gulf Group. "Chef McEwan continues to elevate Canadian cuisine on the global stage and his input has helped us shape two incredible dining experiences." Lora Bay Locals Get a First Look at the New Dining Experience On April 25th, Lora Bay Restaurant welcomed the Thornbury community for a soft opening, offering residents and members an exclusive preview of the new dining experience. The event was warmly received, with a full house of guests enjoying a first look at the new menu and the inviting, community-focused atmosphere. "It's beautiful and feels like an elevated version of a place we already loved," said Brad Gilliland, a local resident and social member of the golf club. "The new menu is outstanding and truly fits the spirit of the club. We're excited to keep coming back." The Boathouse Restaurant at Taboo Muskoka will be open to the public on May 2, 2025. About Lora Bay Set between the blue waters of Georgian Bay and the dramatic Niagara Escarpment, Lora Bay offers a golf experience shaped by nature and designed for play. With tee decks ranging from 5,100 to 7,100 yards, the course challenges all levels. Part of the Great Gulf Group of Companies, one of North America's top real estate organizations, Lora Bay pairs exceptional golf with warm hospitality. Initiated in 2022, Lora Bay's three-year, multi-million-dollar golf course improvement project has already delivered extensive renovations, with the final upgrades set to be completed this year. About Taboo Muskoka Taboo Muskoka is a boutique-meets-resort destination on the stunning shores of Lake Muskoka and is ranked among Canada's Top 100 golf course destinations. Welcoming guests since 1926, the property has evolved over the decades and, since 1984, has been part of the Great Gulf Group of Companies. Taboo balances legendary surroundings with modern style, offering a uniquely local experience that's both relaxed and refined. About Chef Mark McEwan Chef Mark McEwan began his career as the executive chef at Toronto's upscale Sutton Place Hotel. From here, he opened the ground-breaking North 44 and McEwan Catering which set a new standard for Toronto's culinary scene. Chef McEwan continued to push dining innovation with the launch of Bymark, ONE, Fabbrica and The Port Tavern. Inspired by global food halls, Chef McEwan opened McEwan Foods which has 2 locations in Toronto. Chef McEwan then showcased his innovative approaches to Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian cuisine with Diwan at The Aga Khan Museum. Now, Chef McEwan mentors budding chefs in his kitchens, through his bestselling cookbooks and as head judge on Food Network's hit series Top Chef. About Great Gulf Established in 1975, the Great Gulf Group including Great Gulf, an international award-winning, low-rise and landmark high-rise residential developer; Ashton Woods Homes, the largest private builder and 15th largest in the U.S.; Beacon Residential, a U.S based build-To-Rent platform; First Gulf, an innovative market leader in sustainable, accessible and transit-oriented commercial developments and large scale design-build industrial facilities; Tucker HiRise, a leading construction management company, specializing in the construction of high-density, mixed-used projects; H+ME Technology, a precision engineering panelization manufacturing facility; and Taboo Muskoka, one of Canada's top-ranked golf courses, is one of North America's premier real estate organizations. With major projects in Canada and the United States, the company's fully integrated activities span the entire real estate spectrum. Learn more at
