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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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Federal Government Expands Early Retirement Eligibility for Front-Line Workers

 

The Canadian federal government is taking steps to broaden early retirement eligibility for specific front-line workers. Treasury Board President Anita Anand has announced plans to introduce legislation this fall to facilitate this change. Here are the key points:

  1. Eligibility Expansion: The proposed changes will allow certain front-line workers to retire after 25 years of service without a pension reduction. Currently, this provision is available to military members, RCMP officers, and some correctional workers. The expansion will include federally employed border service officers, parliamentary protection officers, search and rescue technicians, and firefighters. Additionally, correctional employees, firefighters, and paramedics employed by territorial governments will now be eligible for early retirement.

  2. Recognition of Demanding Roles: Treasury Board President Anita Anand emphasized that these changes aim to recognize the demanding nature of day-to-day duties for these occupational groups. These workers play a critical role in promoting and protecting the safety and security of Canadians.

  3. Positive Impact: The Public Service Alliance of Canada hailed this decision as a “significant victory,” benefiting thousands of front-line public-safety and law enforcement workers.

In summary, the federal government’s move to expand early retirement eligibility acknowledges the contributions and challenges faced by front-line safety and security workers, ensuring consistency across occupational groups.


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