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5 Things to Know Today: Oil Tops $100, Tariffs Take Effect, TSX Slides — Sept 9

  September 9, 2026 Here's what's moving markets and your wallet today — from a fresh oil shock to a stock that just had its worst week in months. 1. Oil Tops $100 a Barrel for the First Time Since July Brent crude broke back above $100 a barrel overnight after Houthi drones and missiles struck Saudi Aramco energy facilities in Jazan, Abha and Najran, wounding more than 70 people and halting operations at several sites. The attacks followed U.S. strikes on Iranian oil tankers over the weekend, deepening a Middle East conflict now in its seventh month. What it means for you: Ottawa's fuel excise tax pause (extended to Jan. 31, 2027) is holding, but it can't offset a rising crude price — CAA's national average sits at 179.9¢/L today, up from 170.5¢/L just five weeks ago. If your tank is low, fill it before this keeps climbing. 2. TSX Slides for a Second Straight Day The S&P/TSX Composite closed Tuesday at 36,123.05, down 390.75 points (-1.07%), its second consecu...

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Chemical Plant in Sarnia Temporarily Shuts Down After High Benzene Levels Detected Near Ontario First Nation

 

Days after high levels of the cancer-causing chemical benzene were detected on the northern border of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, a chemical plant in Sarnia is shutting down. INEOS Styrolution, a chemical manufacturer, informed Global News via email that it has halted operations to perform maintenance and address a mechanical issue. The benzene levels reached 115 ug/m³ (micrograms per cubic meter) on April 16, exceeding Ontario’s annual average limit of 0.45 ug/m³ for benzene.

Dozens of Aamjiwnaang First Nation residents reported feeling ill, and an unknown number were hospitalized. The First Nation’s Chief and a representative from its Environment Department have called for the provincial government to shut down the facility until benzene emissions cease and have hinted at potential legal action. The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks issued a provincial order against INEOS, requiring the company to create a written plan to address the high levels, implement new procedures to warn the public about toxic emissions, and investigate the apparent source of the chemical leak.

At the federal level, Environment Canada has an open enforcement file related to the INEOS facility under the Environmental Emergencies regulations. David R. MacDonald, the operations manager and interim site director for INEOS Styrolution, stated that the company was “carefully reviewing” concerns raised by Aamjiwnaang First Nation regarding benzene readings from the INEOS site.

Ensuring the health and safety of employees and the community remains paramount, and operations will resume once the issue is addressed. The situation highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing chemical emissions to protect both human health and the environment.

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