Skip to main content

Featured

Canada’s Auto Industry Is Split on a U.S. Tariff Deal: What It Means for Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • Tariffs & Trade • Saturday, November 14, 2026 Ottawa is once again trying to land a tariff deal with Washington. This time, the biggest fight may be inside Canada's own auto industry, and the outcome could reach your paycheque, your car purchase and your savings. Canada's auto manufacturers agree on the goal: get U.S. tariffs on Canadian-built vehicles down. They do not agree on how fast to move or what to accept. According to a Globe and Mail report published overnight, the Detroit Three (Ford, GM and Stellantis) want a deal sooner rather than later, even an imperfect one, while Honda and Toyota are pushing Ottawa toward a very different design. It matters now because of the clock. Canadian-built vehicles already face a 25% U.S. tariff on their non-American content, and Washington has threatened to double the headline rate to 50% on January 1, 2027. Honda has warned that doubling would be catastrophic for the North American industry. Prime Minister...

article

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. 


Comments