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Gas Prices Are Spiking Again — Here's How to Protect Your Wallet as the Iran Conflict Escalates

  Published July 20, 2026 If it feels like you're filling up more often for the same money lately, you're not imagining it. Oil markets jolted higher to start the week, and Canadian drivers are almost certain to see it at the pump in the next few days. What just happened Brent crude — the global benchmark that drives Canadian gas pricing — jumped nearly 4% on Monday to trade above US$90 a barrel, its highest level since mid-June, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded near US$84. The move came after the United States and Iran escalated hostilities over the weekend, including strikes on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and an attack on an oil facility in Kuwait. That strait matters enormously to your gas bill: roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply normally passes through it. When shipping through it slows or stalls, traders price in a "risk premium" almost immediately — and that shows up at Canadian pumps within days, not weeks. What it mea...

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Liberals Unveil Ambitious Plan to Address Housing Crisis: 3.9 Million Homes by 2031

 

The federal Liberals have stepped up their commitment to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Their comprehensive plan aims to address a spectrum of housing affordability challenges faced by Canadians, from the elusive dream of homeownership to soaring rental costs and homelessness. Here are the key highlights of their ambitious strategy:

  1. Tax Incentives for Homebuilding:

    • The federal government plans to increase the capital cost allowance rate for apartments from 4% to 10%. This move will empower builders to write off more expenses on their taxes.
    • Additionally, the GST exemption on rentals will extend to student residences built by public universities, colleges, and school authorities.
  2. Funding to Combat Homelessness:

    • Communities across the country grapple with encampments and limited shelter spaces. To address this, the Liberal government is allocating an additional $1 billion over four years to the Reaching Homes program—a federal homelessness initiative.
    • An extra $250 million is earmarked to help communities transition people from encampments into stable housing.
  3. Historic Shift in Land Use:

    • The Liberals pledge to revolutionize how public lands are utilized for housing. Rather than selling off land, they aim to make more of it available for home construction through leasing arrangements.
  4. A Call to Action:

    • Ottawa emphasizes that solving the national housing crisis requires collaboration among all levels of government. Housing Minister Sean Fraser underscores the need for joint efforts and incentives to achieve this critical task.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aptly describes this plan as “a scale not seen in generations.” With nearly 3.9 million homes envisioned by 2031, the Liberals are committed to reshaping Canada’s housing landscape and ensuring that every Canadian has a place to call home.

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