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10 Days Left: What the End of the Gas Tax Holiday Actually Costs You

  By MoneySavings.ca  |  August 28, 2026 The federal gas tax holiday ends in 10 days. Starting September 8, the 10-cent-per-litre federal excise tax on gasoline comes back — and diesel's 4-cent-per-litre tax returns with it. If you've gotten used to cheaper fill-ups since April, here's exactly what changes and what it'll cost you. What the Tax Holiday Actually Did Back in April, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels to cushion Canadians from a spike in global oil prices tied to the Iran conflict. Since April 20, the federal excise rate on gasoline has sat at 0 cents per litre instead of the usual 10 cents. Diesel and aviation fuel taxes dropped to zero from their normal 4-cent rate. Finance Canada pegged the total relief at more than $2.4 billion over the year. That relief window closes September 7 — Labour Day — inclusive. On September 8, rates snap back to their standard levels: 10 cents/litre on gasoline, 4 cents/litre o...

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How to Save Money on Kids’ Expenses Without Sacrificing Fun

Raising kids can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to cut costs on kids’ expenses without compromising their happiness or well-being. Here are some tips to help you save money and still have fun with your kids:

  • Simplify birthday parties: Instead of spending hundreds of dollars on venues, food and entertainment, host a party at home or a nearby park. Kids will enjoy playing games, eating cake and spending time with their friends. You can also ask guests to bring a dish or a gift to share.
  • Postpone the trips: Traveling with kids can be enriching, but also costly and stressful. Wait until your kids are old enough to appreciate and remember the experience. You can also explore local attractions, go camping or visit relatives instead of flying abroad.
  • Reduce the clutter. Kids don’t need a lot of toys and books to be happy. Having too many can overwhelm them and reduce their creativity. Choose quality over quantity and donate or sell the ones they don’t use. You can also borrow books from the library, swap with friends or buy secondhand.
  • Delay the activities: Enrolling your kids in various activities can be beneficial, but also expensive and time-consuming. Consider whether your kids are ready and interested in the activity before signing them up. You can also encourage them to play outdoors, do arts and crafts or learn new skills at home.
  • Dress them smartly: Kids grow fast and their tastes change quickly. Buying them fancy clothes can be a waste of money and closet space. Opt for comfortable, durable and versatile outfits that can be mixed and matched. You can also shop at thrift stores, swap with friends or make your own clothes.

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