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5 Things to Know Today — June 19, 2026

Oil eases off war-driven highs, insolvencies hit a 17-year peak, and the CUSMA clock is ticking — here's your Canadian money briefing for Thursday. 1. 🛢️ Oil Slips Below $77 — But Don't Expect a Big Break at the Pump Yet Crude oil climbed back above $77 USD per barrel this morning after planned U.S.–Iran talks in Switzerland were cancelled by the Swiss Foreign Ministry — a reminder that the ceasefire deal struck last week is far from rock-solid. That said, the broader picture is improving: WTI is on track for its steepest weekly decline in months as conditions in the Strait of Hormuz gradually normalize following the interim peace agreement. The U.S. Central Command has lifted shipping restrictions from Iranian coastal waters, and tanker traffic is slowly resuming. What it means for you: Lower crude prices will eventually filter through to Canadian gas stations, but energy analysts caution that supply chains need weeks to months to fully unwind. Brent fell back to roughly $83...

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New Union Demands Cast Doubt on LCBO Strike Resolution

 

The tentative agreement reached between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to end the ongoing strike is now in jeopardy. Despite initial optimism, the union has raised concerns over the LCBO’s refusal to sign a return-to-work protocol, a crucial step for the workers to resume their duties.

The strike, which began on July 5, has seen over 9,000 LCBO employees walk off the job, leading to widespread store closures across Ontario. The tentative deal, announced on July 19, included wage increases and other benefits. However, by the afternoon, the union accused the LCBO of bad faith bargaining, claiming the employer introduced new demands post-agreement.

The LCBO, on the other hand, has stated that the union’s additional demands were unexpected and should have been addressed during the initial negotiations. The board plans to file an unfair labour practice complaint against OPSEU.

As both parties return to the bargaining table, the future of the agreement remains uncertain, leaving Ontarians to face continued disruptions in liquor store services.


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