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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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U.S. and Israeli Defense Chiefs Discuss Strategies Amid Escalating Tensions in Gaza

 

As tensions escalate in the Gaza region, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a crucial meeting to address the ongoing crisis. Here are the key points from their discussion:

  1. Cease-Fire and Humanitarian Concerns:

    • The United States recently abstained from using its veto power in a United Nations Security Council vote, which called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.
    • Israel canceled a high-level delegation’s visit to Washington in response to the vote.
    • The focus of the meeting was on Israel’s plans to launch an offensive in Gaza’s southernmost city of Rafah, where over a million displaced people have sought shelter.
    • U.S. officials emphasized the need to address the threat posed by Hamas while ensuring civilian safety.
  2. Israel’s Determination and Challenges:

    • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed determination to launch a military operation in Rafah.
    • He believes that Hamas cannot be defeated unless Israel targets four battalions, consisting of thousands of fighters, who are sheltering in the city.
    • The offensive has already resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Gaza.
  3. Lessons from Urban Operations:

    • The discussions included insights from the U.S.'s own experiences in conducting operations in urban environments.
    • Balancing military objectives with civilian safety remains a critical challenge.
  4. U.S. Position and International Pressure:

    • The U.S. abstention at the Security Council vote was a departure from its consistent stance during the conflict.
    • Israel expressed concern that this move might give Hamas hope that international pressure could force a cease-fire without securing the release of hostages.

In this delicate situation, both nations grapple with the complexities of military action, humanitarian needs, and regional stability. The outcome of their discussions will have far-reaching implications for the people of Gaza and the broader Middle East. 

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