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Ottawa Suspends Federal Fuel Excise Tax as Iran Conflict Sends Prices Soaring

The federal government has moved to blunt the latest surge in fuel costs, announcing a temporary suspension of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax as the Iran war pushes global oil benchmarks to their highest levels since 2022. Finance Minister Mark Carney said the measure is designed to “provide immediate relief to Canadians” as geopolitical tensions ripple through global supply chains. The excise tax—10 cents per litre on gasoline and 4 cents on diesel—has been lifted nationwide for an initial 90‑day period. Ottawa estimates the suspension will save the average driver $6–$10 per fill‑up , with larger savings for rural and northern households who rely heavily on long‑distance travel and diesel‑powered transport. The move comes as crude prices spike on fears of supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping corridor for global oil flows. Canadian refiners and retailers have already passed higher wholesale costs through to consumers, with pump prices rising 12–18 ...

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Federal Contracting Scandal: The ArriveCan App Controversy


  • Contracting Overview: Three companies involved in the ArriveCan app development received over $1-billion in federal contracts since 2011. The firms, Coradix Technology Consulting, Dalian Enterprises, and GCStrategies, have been suspended pending investigations into alleged misconduct.

  • Parliamentary Scrutiny: The sharp increase in federal outsourcing, from approximately $8-billion in 2016 to over $21-billion last year, has led to parliamentary scrutiny. Allegations include inflated résumés and a reliance on IT staffing firms that subcontract work for commissions.

  • Indigenous Procurement Strategy: Dalian, an aboriginally owned company, partnered with Coradix for contracts under the federal Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Business. Audits are underway to ensure compliance with program rules.

  • Conflict of Interest Concerns: Revelations of conflict of interest have emerged, including a case where a public servant was involved with a contracting company. The Treasury Board disclosed 162 conflict-of-interest declarations for the 2023-24 fiscal year, with ongoing reviews.

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