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CUSMA Wasn’t Renewed: The 10-Year Clock Now Running on Your Job, Prices and Savings

  Canadian Money Brief | Feature CUSMA Wasn't Renewed: The 10-Year Clock Now Running on Your Job, Prices and Savings By MoneySavings.ca | Published November 2, 2026 Quick quiz: is Canada's free trade deal with the United States still in place? The honest answer is yes and no. The agreement known here as CUSMA is still in force, but since July 1 it has been on a different footing, and the way it plays out over the next decade matters to your paycheque, your grocery bill and your savings. Most of us missed the moment because nothing visibly changed that day. That is exactly why it deserves a closer look, especially with the federal budget arriving Thursday. The short version: CUSMA did not end. It moved from a long-term deal to a deal that gets reviewed every year until 2036. Roughly 90% of what Canada sells to the U.S. has been crossing the border tariff-free because of it, so each annual review is a chance for that protection to be tested. For households, this is a slow-burn r...
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The Safest Seats on an Airplane: Where Should You Sit?

 

When booking a flight, we often consider factors like legroom, convenience, and views. But what about safety? Which seats offer the best chance of survival in an emergency? Let’s explore the data.

Air Travel Safety

First, it’s essential to recognize that air travel is remarkably safe. In 2019, there were approximately 70 million flights globally, resulting in only 287 fatalities. The odds of dying in a plane crash are about 1 in 205,552, compared to 1 in 102 for car accidents.

The Myth of the Back Seats

Contrary to popular belief, sitting at the back of the plane isn’t necessarily the safest option. The infamous 1977 Tenerife disaster, where a KLM Boeing 747 collided with a Pan Am 747, showed that passengers at the front survived better than those at the rear. Luck, impact distribution, and proximity to exits all play a role.

The Data

A 35-year study by the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) sheds light on seat safety. Here’s what it found:

  • Middle Seats at the Back: These have the lowest fatality rate at 28%.
  • Aisle Seats in the Middle: These are the second-safest, with a 44% fatality rate.
  • Middle Seats on Either Side of the Aisle: These are the riskiest, with a 44% fatality rate.

Why the Middle Seats?

The middle seats at the back offer better survival odds because they benefit from the buffer provided by having people on either side. Additionally, sitting next to an exit row provides a faster escape route, assuming no fire blocks the way. Avoiding the front and wings (where fuel is stored) is also wise.

Remember, though, the chances of a plane crash are incredibly low. So, when you choose your seat, balance comfort, views, and safety. 


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