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The Gas Tax Holiday Ends in 24 Days — Here's the Real Math on What You'll Save

  Published August 14, 2026 Ottawa's fuel excise tax suspension shuts off September 7. Here's what it's actually been worth at the pump, what changes the next morning, and who should plan a fill-up before Labour Day. The Countdown The federal fuel excise tax returns to full rate on September 8, 2026 — that's 24 days from today. Prices reset to their pre-April 20 rate the moment the clock hits midnight. If you've noticed gas feeling a little less painful since spring, that wasn't your imagination. On April 20, 2026, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax — 10 cents a litre off gasoline, 4 cents off diesel — as Middle East oil-supply disruptions pushed pump prices toward $2 a litre in some cities. The suspension, passed as part of Bill C-30, has been running for nearly four months. It ends September 7, inclusive. On September 8, the tax comes right back. What the holiday actually saved you The headline number — 10 cents a litre on gas — undersells it sligh...

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Loyalty Programs: How to Keep Your Points from Expiring

                                 

Canadians love their rewards programs, but keeping track of them all can be difficult. Over 90% of Canadians have joined at least one loyalty program, with the average being more than 12, according to data from one big bank. With all those loyalty programs on the go, a key challenge is to keep the accounts active. Not doing so risks having your points expire, and that’s like leaving money on the table. As a points collector, you should always be in the mindset of earning and burning your points. 

Here are some ways to keep your loyalty programs active:

  • Make some kind of transaction within a 12- to 24-month period.
  • Use apps that help by clearly displaying when your points will expire.
  • Have a co-branded credit card that allows you to earn points on your everyday purchases.
  • Make a purchase with a partner.
  • Donate your points to charity.
  • Transfer points from one loyalty program to another.

Remember, loyalty programs are ruthless. Once your points have expired, the odds of you getting them back are next to none unless you’re willing to pay for them. The easiest way to keep your loyalty programs active is to earn points. That said, if you’re constantly looking for ways to do so, it may be more trouble than it’s worth. It might be better to let your points expire and focus on the programs you regularly benefit from.



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