Problem: Wwo sentences:
The artists say the plan will harm French culture and punish those who need help most--performers who have a hard time lining up work .
Artists are worried the plan would harm those who need help most - performers who have a difficult time lining up shows .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: yes

Problem: Wwo sentences:
The loonie , meanwhile , continued to slip in early trading Friday .
The loonie , meanwhile , was on the rise again early Thursday .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: no

Problem: Wwo sentences:
ECUSA is the U.S. branch of the 70 million-member Anglican Communion .
The Episcopal Church is the American branch of the Anglican Communion .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer: no

Problem: Wwo sentences:
That would give smokers the right to take complaints to the Human Rights Commission or Human Rights Review Tribunal .
He agrees that technically smoking could be considered a disability , giving smokers the right to take complaints to the Human Rights Commission or Human Rights Review Tribunal .
Do they have the same meaning?

Answer:
yes