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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Canadian Job Market Shows Resilience: 41,000 New Jobs Added Despite Unemployment Rate Uptick


In a recent report by Statistics Canada, the Canadian job market demonstrated resilience in February. Despite the challenges posed by population growth, employers added 41,000 net new jobs during the month. These gains were primarily driven by an increase in full-time positions.

However, the unemployment rate also saw a slight uptick, rising to 5.8 per cent. This development highlights the delicate balance between job creation and population expansion. As the country continues to grow, policymakers and economists closely monitor these trends.

The services sector played a significant role in employment gains, reflecting a diverse range of industries. The Bank of Canada remains vigilant, observing labor market dynamics and wage growth as it assesses the need for any adjustments to its benchmark interest rate.

While the Canadian economy faces headwinds, the job market’s ability to generate new employment opportunities is a positive sign. As we navigate the complexities of a changing workforce, staying informed about these trends is crucial for individuals and policymakers alike.


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