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Trump's 50% Auto Tariff Threat: What It Means If You're Buying a Car in 2027

  Vehicle prices in Canada are already up thousands of dollars since the trade war began. A threatened doubling of auto tariffs on January 1, 2027 could push them higher still — here's what's confirmed, what's not, and what it means if you're in the market for a car. On Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that tariffs on all Canadian-made cars, trucks, auto parts, and steel would rise to 50% starting January 1, 2027 — effectively doubling the current 25% rate. The threat landed hours after cross-border trade talks collapsed late Friday night, triggering a separate round of 50% tariffs on roughly $20 billion of other Canadian goods and a promised Canadian retaliation package set for September 8. For anyone shopping for a new or used vehicle in Ontario — or watching an auto-sector paycheque — here's what's actually changed, and what's still just a threat. What Trump actually announced The post is specific on rate and date but light on me...

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New Ontario real estate rules give sellers more options

 

Ontario has introduced new rules for real estate transactions that aim to provide more clarity and choice for buyers and sellers. The rules, which took effect on Friday, include the following changes:

  • Open bidding option: Sellers can now choose to disclose the prices of submitted bids to potential buyers, instead of keeping them secret. This is supposed to make the bidding process more transparent and fair, but it is not mandatory. Some experts say open bidding could reduce overbidding and lower prices, while others say it could have the opposite effect or harm sellers’ interests.
  • Designated representation: Buyers and sellers can now choose a designated representative from the same brokerage, instead of being subject to multiple representation. This means that the agent can advocate more actively for their client, instead of acting as a facilitator with limited advice. This is supposed to avoid conflicts of interest and improve the quality of service.
  • Improved disclosures: Brokers and brokerages have to provide more information to their clients, such as their role, duties, and fees. They also have to give them an information guide from the Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO), the regulatory body that oversees the industry. RECO also has new enforcement tools to ensure compliance and protect consumers.
  • Amended code of ethics: Agents have to follow an updated code of ethics that reflects the new rules and promotes professionalism and ethical conduct.

The new rules are part of Phase 2 of the changes under the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, which was passed in 2019. The federal government has also promised to end blind bidding as part of its home buyers’ bill of rights, but it is still consulting with stakeholders.

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