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The U.S. Is Banning Canadian Booze on Sept. 29 — Here's What It Means for Ontario's $1-Billion Industry

  LCBO shelves have been missing American bourbon and Napa wine since March 2025. In three weeks, the trade war flips direction — and this time it's Canadian producers, and the roughly 20,000 Ontarians who work for them, absorbing the hit. What's actually changing on Sept. 29 On Sept. 8, President Trump signed proclamations that ban a wide range of Canadian alcohol from entering the United States, effective 12:01 a.m. Eastern on Sept. 29. It's a different kind of measure than the tariffs Canadians have gotten used to reading about this year — this isn't a price increase, it's a door closed. Packaged beer, wine, cider, and spirits (including whisky, vodka, gin, rum, tequila and mezcal) are covered, alongside whey products, molasses, non-alcoholic beer, and larger motorcycles. Canadian alcohol previously imported but not yet cleared for consumption before Sept. 29 stays under the existing 50% duty instead of the outright ban. The White House's proclamation points ...

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Toronto Transit Workers Face Friday Strike Deadline

 

Toronto transit workers are on the brink of a strike unless negotiations see significant changes on key contract issues. The looming deadline, set for Friday just past midnight, could trigger the first TTC strike since 2008.

Core Issues and Impasse

ATU Local 113 president Marvin Alfred stated that negotiations have reached an “impasse.” The union’s nearly 12,000 members are moving toward a strike unless core issues—such as wages, benefits, and job security—are addressed. The union seeks protections against outsourcing jobs to third parties and cross-boundary service transfers to other Greater Toronto Area transit operators.

Optimism and Challenges

TTC spokesperson Stuart Green remains optimistic that a deal can be worked out before the deadline. Negotiations are likely to go down to the wire, balancing the challenging work of union members with affordability for the City of Toronto. TTC chair Jamaal Myers echoes this optimism, emphasizing the need for contingency plans.

Impact on Commuters

A strike could disrupt travel plans for tens of thousands of commuters who rely on TTC subways, streetcars, and buses. While both sides continue bargaining, it’s essential for commuters to have a backup plan in place.



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