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5 Things to Know Today: Gas Tax Holiday Extended to 2027, BoC Holds, TSX Rebounds

  September 3, 2026 A big one for your wallet just landed: Ottawa is keeping the gas tax break alive well past Labour Day. Here's what else moved markets and money in Canada today. 1. Gas tax holiday extended to January 31, 2027 The federal fuel excise tax break that was set to expire on Labour Day (Sept. 7) isn't going anywhere. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed the suspension of the 10-cent-per-litre gasoline excise tax and 4-cent-per-litre diesel tax will now run until January 31, 2027, before being phased back in at half-rate from Feb. 1 to March 31 and fully restored April 1. Ottawa first introduced the break in April to offset oil-price shocks tied to the Iran war. What it means for you: The scheduled Sept. 8 jump of 10–11 cents a litre is off the table for now. CAA pegged the national average at 172.9 cents/litre this week — budget around that level rather than the higher price many drivers had braced for. 2. Bank of Canada holds rate at 2.25% for a...

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US and UK Impose Sanctions on Iran Following Unprecedented Attack on Israel


In a significant move, both the United States and the United Kingdom have taken action against Iran in response to Tehran’s recent attack on Israel. The concern is that this attack could escalate tensions in the already volatile Middle East region. Here are the key points:

  1. Sanctions Targeting Iran:

    • The U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has specifically targeted 16 individuals and two entities in Iran. These entities are involved in producing engines that power the drones used in the April 13 attack on Israel.
    • Additionally, OFAC has sanctioned five firms related to steel production and three subsidiaries of Iranian automaker Bahman Group. Bahman Group is accused of materially supporting Iran’s military and other sanctioned groups.
    • The U.K. has also taken action against several Iranian military organizations, individuals, and entities associated with Iran’s drone and ballistic missile industries.
  2. President Biden’s Statement:

    • President Joe Biden emphasized that the U.S. will continue to impose sanctions to further degrade Iran’s military industries. He warned those who enable or support Iran’s attacks that they will be held accountable.
  3. Restricting Access to Microelectronics:

    • The U.S. Commerce Department is imposing new controls to limit Iran’s access to basic commercial-grade microelectronics. These controls apply to items manufactured outside the U.S. but produced using U.S. technology.
  4. Context of Iran’s Attack:

    • Iran’s attack on Israel came as a response to what it claims was an Israeli strike on Iran’s consulate in Syria earlier in the month.
    • Israel’s military chief has stated that his country will respond to the Iranian attack, while world leaders are urging restraint to prevent further escalation.
  5. European Union’s Stance:

    • European Union leaders have pledged to ramp up sanctions on Iran, specifically targeting its drone and missile deliveries to proxies in Gaza, Yemen, and Lebanon.
    • EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell warned that the situation could lead to a regional war in the Middle East, sending shockwaves globally.

In summary, the U.S. and U.K. are taking decisive steps to hold Iran accountable for its actions, while also urging caution to prevent further conflict. The situation remains tense, and international leaders are closely monitoring developments.

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