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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Canada Implements Digital Services Tax Amidst Controversy

Canada has officially enacted a digital services tax (DST), which imposes a three percent levy on revenue from Canadian users by foreign tech giants, retroactive to 2022. This move has sparked significant debate and concern among businesses and the United States government, with fears of potential trade repercussions.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland defended the decision, stating that it was unfair for Canada to indefinitely delay its own measures while waiting for a multilateral agreement on digital service taxes. She emphasized the need for tech companies to pay their fair share of taxes on revenue earned without a physical presence in Canada.

The DST is expected to affect companies with global annual income of at least $1.1 billion and Canadian revenues greater than $20 million a year. While the tax aims to level the playing field and support essential investments within the country, it has raised concerns about adding irritants to the trade relationship with the United States, especially during a sensitive time with upcoming presidential and congressional elections.

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