The Gauteng High Court in Pretoria dismissed Deputy National Police Commissioner for Crime Detection, Lieutenant-General Shadrack Sibiya‘s bid to return to work.
This comes after National Police Commissioner General Fannie Masemola ordered Sibiya to stay at home pending an investigation.
The decision came after Sibiya was placed at the center of allegations of corruption and misconduct within the South African Police by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/female-hands-holding-card-against-payment-machine-to-make-payment-for-purchase-in-cafe.jpg?id=57082789&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=132%2C0%2C132%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>Most Canadians would probably agree that tipping culture has gotten out of control.</p><p>Gone are the days when a simple 15% gratuity at a sit-down restaurant or a couple of bucks for a taxi driver was the norm. Now, it feels like every transaction comes with an iPad screen nudging you toward an 18%, 20%, or even 25% tip — sometimes for services that never required tipping in the first place.</p><p>A <a href="https://www.narcity.com/tipping-canada-percentage-survey" target="_blank">recent H&R Block Canada survey</a> confirms what many already feel: 94% of Canadians think tipping has gone too far, and 90% believe gratuities are just too high. While payment machines push for 18% or more, the survey found that the average Canadian considers 9% to be a fair tip — far lower than what's now expected at restaurants.</p><p>The debate has sparked memes, frustration and plenty of awkward checkout moments. But some of the places Canadians have been asked to tip are so bizarre, they almost seem like satire.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0IeMXgNnZO/" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"> <div style="padding:8px;"> <div style="background:#F8F8F8; line-height:0; margin-top:40px; padding:50% 0; text-align:center; width:100%;"> <div style="background:url(data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACwAAAAsCAMAAAApWqozAAAAGFBMVEUiIiI9PT0eHh4gIB4hIBkcHBwcHBwcHBydr+JQAAAACHRSTlMABA4YHyQsM5jtaMwAAADfSURBVDjL7ZVBEgMhCAQBAf//42xcNbpAqakcM0ftUmFAAIBE81IqBJdS3lS6zs3bIpB9WED3YYXFPmHRfT8sgyrCP1x8uEUxLMzNWElFOYCV6mHWWwMzdPEKHlhLw7NWJqkHc4uIZphavDzA2JPzUDsBZziNae2S6owH8xPmX8G7zzgKEOPUoYHvGz1TBCxMkd3kwNVbU0gKHkx+iZILf77IofhrY1nYFnB/lQPb79drWOyJVa/DAvg9B/rLB4cC+Nqgdz/TvBbBnr6GBReqn/nRmDgaQEej7WhonozjF+Y2I/fZou/qAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC); display:block; height:44px; margin:0 auto -44px; position:relative; top:-22px; width:44px;"> </div> </div> <p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C0IeMXgNnZO/" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a> </p> </div> </blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>With that in mind, we took to <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MTLBlog/posts/pfbid0AM6kNUtJnbxnJNmDHa8kAK4aYzkNjexjEuwagXVnWc8LovGqxpgZhx234nZc4Z1xl" target="_blank">social media to ask MTL Blog readers</a> across the country about some of the most ridiculous places where they've been prompted to leave a tip.</p><p>From funeral homes to department stores, here are some replies that left us baffled.</p><h3>Takeout counters</h3><br/><p>Takeout counters have become a hot topic in the tipping debate.</p><p>Many people wonder, <em>If I pick up the food myself, do I still need to tip?</em></p><p>But plenty of commenters agreed that skipping delivery should also mean skipping the tip.</p><p>"I picked it up myself — there was no delivery. Your job is to put the chicken in the box, and you get paid for that. I don't feel I have to tip on top of it," one user wrote bluntly.</p><p>Another wrote, "I only give a tip if I sit down and get served."</p><p>Some even extended the argument to delivery drivers. </p><p>"If I'm already paying a delivery fee, why should I tip on top of that? If the driver isn't making enough, that's the employer's problem — not mine," one person wrote.</p><h3>Self-serve coffee counters</h3><br/><p>Similar to the takeout counter issue, we got replies from folks who've been asked to give a few bucks at self-service coffee stations</p><p>One Nova Scotia-based reader recalled the experience of making their own beverage and then being asked to drop some extra dough: "They hand you a styrofoam cup and you have to go to the coffee machine and make your own. Then they have an empty cup at the cash for tips. For what???"</p><h3>Funeral home</h3><br/><p>Picture this: You're grieving, paying your respects to a loved one, and then bam — out comes the credit card machine, prompting you for a tip.</p><p>That's exactly what apparently happened to one user, whose anecdote prompted a handful of (reasonably) shocked replies.</p><h3>Bakery </h3><br/><p>While some bakeries go above and beyond, making homemade sandwiches and artisanal coffee, two commenters recalled how they were asked to leave a tip after stopping in to buy a single loaf of bread.</p><p>Another user named a popular Quebec-based bakery chain, accusing them of the same practice.</p><h3>Self-checkout </h3><br/><p>We've officially entered the <em>Black Mirror</em> era of tipping because now, even machines are asking for a cut.</p><p>"SELF-checkout at Canadian tire. Who was I supposed to tip? Myself?" one anecdote read.</p><p>Another recalled being asked for a pourboire at a gas station. We can only assume it wasn't the kind where someone actually pumps the gas for you. </p><h3>Mechanics</h3><br/><p>Tipping your hairdresser makes sense, but your mechanic? Some Canadians say they've been put on the spot after something as routine as an oil change.</p><p>Multiple commenters shared how they were also unexpectedly asked if they'd like to leave a little extra for their auto service or even appliance repairs.</p><p>"Appliance repair services technician. The company's payment machine was programmed for a tip!" recalled one reader. "The technician indicated to disregard it."</p><h3>Clothing stores</h3><br/><p>Tipping at restaurants is one thing, but at clothing stores? A few folks shared their surprise at being prompted to tip while simply buying clothes.</p><p>One even claimed they were asked to tip after purchasing a pair of shoes online!</p><h3>In the wild</h3><br/><p>Tipping culture isn't just creeping into restaurants and cafes — it seems to be making its way into the great outdoors too.</p><p><span></span>"After canoeing on Lake Louise, they forced a tip on us even though me and my husband did the canoeing ourselves!" one Facebook user wrote. </p><h3>Fast-food chains</h3><br/><p>Fast food and tipping don't usually go hand in hand, but a few household names were tossed around in our thread, including Subway, Kentucky Fried Chicken, Domino's and Tim Hortons.</p><h3>Ticket scanners</h3><br/><p>Yes, even the person scanning tickets at a music festival solicits tips now — at least according to one attendee at a Montreal event.</p><span></span><span></span><span></span><span></span><h3>The dentist</h3><br/><p>Going to the dentist is already painful enough. Now, imagine being asked to tip on top of it.<br/></p><p>One person claimed they were prompted to leave a gratuity after their appointment.</p><p><span></span>Maybe we shouldn't accept their "complimentary" toothbrush and floss anymore.</p><p>If there's one thing this list proves, it's that nowhere is safe from a tip prompt. Whether you're grabbing a loaf of bread, fixing a cavity or even mourning a loved one, there's a decent chance you'll be nudged to leave a little extra.</p><p>At this rate, we might need a tip jar of our own for putting up with it all.</p>
A 71-year-old war veteran has been left with nothing after he fell victim to an elaborate Netflix scam, allegedly at the hands of a teenager.…
<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/hands-holding-a-pile-of-canadian-cash.jpg?id=55352531&width=1200&height=800&coordinates=0%2C0%2C0%2C0"/><br/><br/><p>As the new year approaches, we're looking ahead to a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/revenu-quebec-cra-payment-dates-january-2025" target="_blank">fresh round of government benefit payments Quebec residents can get in January</a>, including the return of the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/gst-hst-credit-increase-2025" target="_blank">GST/HST Credit</a>.</p><p>With inflation in Canada still impacting everyday costs, many households are seeking ways to make ends meet. If you're in a lower or modest <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/revenu-quebec-cra-income-tax-brackets-2025" target="_blank">income bracket</a>, staying on top of these <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/government-payments" target="_blank">government payments</a> can be a game changer. Payments like the GST/HST Credit, designed to help cover taxes on goods and services, can add up to hundreds of dollars and provide a solid financial boost right when you need it.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/gst-hst-credit" target="_blank">GST/HST Credit</a> is a tax-free payment issued quarterly, aimed at easing the burden for individuals and families with lower incomes. For those who qualify, it’s a welcome bit of relief as the new year kicks off— and January's payment goes out next week.</p><p>Plus, don't forget — we're currently in a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/gst-hst-tax-break-canada" target="_blank">GST holiday</a>, which runs until February 15. You can save the 5% goods and services tax on a bunch of essentials including <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/gst-tax-break-canada-whats-exempt" target="_blank">nearly all food, kids' clothing and more</a> during the two-month tax holiday.</p><p>Here's what you need to know about the upcoming January 2025 GST/HST Credit payment, including how much you can get and when you can expect your funds.</p><h3>What is the GST/HST Credit?</h3><br/><p>The GST/HST Credit is a quarterly tax-free benefit aimed at supporting lower-income individuals and families in Canada. It's designed to help offset some of the GST or HST you've paid over the year.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/goods-services-tax-harmonized-sales-tax-gst-hst-credit.html" target="_blank">More about the GST/HST Credit</a></p><h3>Who is eligible for the GST/HST Credit?</h3><br/><p>To qualify for the GST/HST Credit, you must be a Canadian resident for tax purposes and not exempt from taxes (like diplomats and their family members). You also need to be at least 19 years old in the month before a payment is issued. If you're under 19, you may still qualify if you're married, in a common-law relationship or a parent living with your child.</p><p>Your eligibility and payment amount depend on your family's income and situation. For instance, single individuals earning over $54,704 annually won't qualify, while the highest family income threshold — $72,244 — applies to singles or couples with four or more kids.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-eligibility.html" target="_blank">More about GST/HST Credit eligibility</a></p><h3>How to apply for the GST/HST Credit</h3><br/><p>Good news: You typically don't need to apply for the GST/HST Credit! Just file your taxes every year, even if you didn't earn any income, and the CRA will automatically determine if you're eligible.</p><p>If you're a <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/tag/newcomers-to-canada" target="_blank">newcomer to Canada</a>, however, there are a few extra steps. You'll need to complete <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/forms/rc151.html" target="_blank">Form RC151</a>, and if you're applying on behalf of children in your care, you'll also need to include proof of their birth. Once everything is ready, mail the form to your <a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/address-tax-centre-mail-your-forms.html" target="_blank">tax centre</a>, and you're good to go!</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-apply.html" target="_blank">More about applying for the GST/HST Credit</a></p><h3>How much is the GST/HST Credit?</h3><br/><p>The amount you'll receive from the GST/HST Credit depends on your family's income and situation. Here's a quick look at the maximum amounts you could get each quarter:</p><ul><li>Up to <strong>$129.75</strong> for an individual, plus</li><li>Up to <strong>$40.25 </strong>for a spouse or common-law partner</li><li>Up to <strong>$44.75</strong> for each child in your care (up to <strong>$129.75</strong> for the first child if you're a single parent)</li></ul><p>It's worth noting that while the <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/gst-hst-credit-increase-2025" target="_blank">GST/HST Credit amounts are increasing for 2025</a>, those higher amounts won't kick in until the new benefit period starts in July.</p><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/child-family-benefits/gsthstc-amount.html" target="_blank">More about GST/HST Credit payment amounts</a></p><h3>Is the GST/HST Credit taxable?</h3><br/><p>No, the GST/HST Credit isn't taxable. In fact, it's actually designed to help offset some of the taxes you've already paid. This means you don't need to report it as income on your tax return.</p><h3>When are the GST/HST Credit payment dates?</h3><br/><p>The next GST/HST Credit payment date is <strong>Friday, January 3, 2025</strong>. </p><p>Meanwhile, the other three quarterly payments for the year are:</p><ul><li>April 4, 2025</li><li>July 4, 2025</li><li>October 3, 2025</li></ul><p><a href="https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/calendar.html" target="_blank">More about federal benefit payment dates</a></p><p><em>Love this? Check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/notices/" target="_blank">MTL Blog noticeboard</a> for details on jobs, benefits, travel info and more!</em></p><p><em>AI tools may have been used to support the creation or distribution of this content; however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of MTL Blog's Editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/editorial-standards" target="_blank">Editorial Standards page</a>.</em></p>
