Latest news with #TrinaJones
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Border mayors say they're on the front line of the tariff war and need government help
Border mayors from across Canada say they're on the front line of the tariff war with the United States and are disproportionately suffering as a result. Border communities "are at a breaking point," said Barbara Barrett, executive director of Frontier Duty Free Association, who moderated a virtual meeting of border mayors on Friday. "We are calling on the federal government to step up now with targeted financial support and a plan that recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of border-dependent communities and the businesses that keep them alive." And if help doesn't come soon, some businesses will close permanently, said Trina Jones, mayor of Woodstock, N.B. "We know as border mayors for our communities, there already are businesses that are being impacted by the uncertainty," she said. She said it feels "very reminiscent of the pandemic." Jones said she'd like to see the same sort of government support extended now — and quickly. She said her community is already feeling the effects of reduced said residents feel "like they're in a holding pattern." Mayors from border communities across the country expressed similar concerns. Together, they're calling on federal and provincial governments to help them through a challenging time. The Border Mayors Alliance, which was formed in 2024, say they're being "disproportionately impacted" by tariffs and reduced cross-border travel. "Border communities and businesses that rely on cross-border travel are facing a new economic crisis. Still recovering from the impact of pandemic-era border closures, border community businesses are now grappling with additional economic pressures that threaten their survival," the group said. St. Stephen, N.B., Mayor Allan MacEachern said some border communities like his still haven't recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic. "We need to know that our government's got our backs," he said. MacEachern said border towns "rely on the movement of people and product. And when people and product don't cross our borders, it's a huge impact on our communities." St. Stephen Mayor Allan MacEachern said he hasn't heard of any open hostility between residents of his commuity and their American neighbours, but the fear exists that things may heat up. (Allyson McCormack/CBC) He said reduced traffic during the pandemic was "life-changing." "And I don't want to see us go there." MacEachern said border communities aren't just on the financial front lines, they're often face-to-face with their American neighbours. He said it's easier for those who live further away from the border "not to participate, but for us, it's tough. It's tough and I don't want to spoil our relationships once again." MacEachern said he hasn't seen any open hostility yet, but there's fear that it could happen. Jones agreed. "There's lots of fear, but there's really no hostility from what we can see," she said. Woodstock Mayor Trina Jones said her community is already feeling the effects of the tariff war with the United States. (Jacques Poitras/CBC) "We've been friendly neighbours for a long, long time and we don't see that changing." The group of mayors is asking government to act quickly to come up with an aid package for communities affected by tariffs. As for whether border communities deserve a bigger piece of that pie, Jones said "it's tricky." She said New Brunswick is particularly susceptible to the tariff war, "and maybe some of us need a little more help than others. And, the rest of the provinces might have to be kind." MacEachern said it shouldn't be forgotten that New Brunswick border communities are the "gateway to the Atlantic provinces" and all land-based traffic funnels through them. "So we got a lot of weight on our shoulders there. So it's just not New Brunswick that we're thinking of." MacEachern said 26,000 fewer people crossed the New Brunswick-Maine border last month. "That's a huge impact to us," he said.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Major change for Aussie landlords could see renters avoid paying quarterly bill
Some Aussie tenants living in houses with outdated bathrooms will soon be able to dispute their water bill if toilets aren't upgraded to meet new standards. From March 23, landlords in NSW will need to ensure they're providing a dual-flush button with a minimum three-star water efficiency rating on all toilets. 'Improving water efficiency in rental properties is an important step towards improving the quality of rental homes in NSW and ensuring we have secure, reliable water sources for the future,' the state's rental commissioner Trina Jones said on Thursday. Under rental guidelines in NSW, landlords can only bill for water usage if the property is separately metered, so most tenants in apartments don't need to pay. But those living in houses often do, and it's then that specific water requirements must be met. Under existing regulations, the water requirements are: All taps should be leak-free at the start of a tenancy and after upgrades and repairs. A maximum flow rate of nine litres per minute needs to be ensured on shower heads, internal cold water taps, kitchen and bathroom taps. Adding the dual-flush requirement will bring NSW in line with Queensland. And while this seems like a small measure, older toilets can use up to 11 litres per flush, compared to three litres in a modern half flush and six litres for a full flush. It's estimated a family of four could save up to 35,000 litres of water a year if they use a dual flush system. 🍺 Toohey's plan to reduce water use ♻️ Residents 'throw away' $100 million in recycling incentives 😳 Rare species to be served up to Aussie diners as certified 'sustainable' meal For years, Australians have periodically had to comply with water restrictions. But with climate change making weather extremes more severe and frequent, residents in some areas could expect them more often. In most Australian homes, bathrooms account for around 40 per cent of water usage, so ensuring they're modernised is seen as an easy win for the environment and the hip pocket. Any NSW tenant who believes they're being unfairly charged for water is urged to contact Fair Trading. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
