Canadians getting more chances to win tax-free lottery jackpots

   Canada column for Sunday, Nov. 11/18

   THE CANADIAN REPORT

   (c) By Jim Fox

   Canadians will have an additional chance a week to win a tax-free prize that’s being increased to a maximum $70 million – the most ever offered.

   Popularity over the chances of winning $60 million prompted the interprovincial lottery game called Lotto Max to raise its jackpot cap to $70 million on a $5 ticket beginning in May.

   As well, there will be draws twice a week – Tuesdays and Fridays – instead of just one.

   Hitting the jackpot is especially profitable in Canada as lottery and casino gambling winnings are not taxed and are paid all at once, not over a number of years.

   Lottery officials say the changes will ensure that jackpots grow more quickly.

   Once the jackpot reaches its cap, additional $1 million Maxmillion prizes are offered.

   The Lotto Max maximum was last increased in 2015 at $60 million, up $10 million from when the game was introduced in 2009.

   Somewhere out there in Edmonton, Alberta, someone is holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $60 million that has gone unclaimed from the Oct. 26 draw.

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   TransCanada Corp. is reviewing Montana judge’s ruling that the proposed $10-billion Keystone XL crude oil pipeline must pass a further environmental review.

   The controversial project is on hold again by U.S. District Judge Brian Morris’ ruling.

   Concerns by environmentalists and Native American groups led to lawsuits to halt the work over property rights and potential oil spills.

   This federal court order blocks President Donald Trump’s approval of a permit for the construction of the pipeline.

   The 1,178-mile line would carry up to 830,000 barrels of crude daily from Hardisty, Alberta to Steel City, Neb. and refineries on the Gulf Coast.

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   News in brief:

   - A controversial plan by Statistics Canada to gather personal financial data without consent is not proceeding – at least now. The plan has been put on hold until an investigation of the legality and intrusiveness of the project is done by federal privacy commissioner Daniel Therrien. The federal statistical agency wanted banking information from 500,000 households for its research.

   - The Canadian government plans to invest $86 million to expand intelligence and border-security measures to try to combat increased gun and gang crimes. It’s part of the Liberal’s five-year, $327-million funding promise. Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale said these are serious problems and the approach is to be “smart on crime.” It will focus on prevention, ways for gang members to get out and enforcement.

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   Facts and figures:

   Canada’s dollar has dropped to 75.7 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.32 Canadian before bank exchange fees.

   The Bank of Canada’s key interest rate is steady at 1.75 percent while the prime-lending rate is 3.95 percent.

   Stock markets are higher, with the Toronto exchange index at 15,274 points while the TSX Venture index is steady at 651 points.

   The average price for gas in Canada is lower at $1.16 a liter or $4.40 (Canadian) for a U.S. gallon.

   Lotto 6/49: (Nov. 7) 2, 10, 13, 16, 31 and 43; bonus 8. (Nov. 3) 7, 8, 24, 32, 42 and 48; bonus 45. Lotto Max: (Nov. 2) 9, 10, 16, 23, 24, 39 and 49; bonus 7.

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   Regional briefs:

   - Edmonton antique shop owner Alexander Archbold of Curiosity Inc. finally tracked down a homeless man to share the unexpected proceeds from a 1937animation cel from the movie “Bambi.” He paid the man, known as Adam, $20 for the art work found in a dumpster. It turned out it sold on eBay for $3,700. After finding Adam, he took him to lunch, gave him $1,600 and set up bank and GoFundMe accounts to help get him “back on his feet again.”

  - A Cambridge, Ontario man who was hung up in a “psychotic state, likely caused by using illegal drugs,” called the 911 emergency system 5,549 times in six days. Court was told the calls were dialed manually and the man then hung up without any reason for calling. The unidentified 42-year-old man pleaded guilty to mischief and was given a conditional discharge and must get professional help.

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Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com