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CUSMA Review 2026: What Happens on July 1 — and What It Means for Your Wallet

The trade deal that governs nearly $1.3 trillion in Canada-U.S. commerce is up for review in less than a week. Here's what's at stake for Canadian families — and how to protect your budget whatever happens next. By MoneySavings.ca Staff  |   June 25, 2026 Canada Day is almost here — and this year, July 1 carries a lot more weight than fireworks and barbecues. On that same date, Canada, the United States, and Mexico are required to sit down for the first mandatory review of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement , known in Canada as CUSMA (and in the U.S. as the USMCA). The outcome of these talks will help shape the price of your groceries, your next car payment, Canadian jobs, and the overall cost of living for years to come. If you've heard the buzz but aren't sure what it all means for your household budget, you're in the right place. Here's your plain-language breakdown. What Is CUSMA — and Why Should You Care? CUSMA replaced the old NAFTA deal in 2020 an...

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Canada Post Strike Disrupts Black Friday Sales and Holiday Shipments

 

The ongoing Canada Post strike has significantly disrupted Black Friday sales and holiday shipments, causing frustration among businesses and consumers alike. The strike, which began on November 15, 2024, has now entered its third week, with over 55,000 postal workers demanding improved wages and job security.

The timing of the strike couldn't be worse, as the period leading up to Black Friday and the holiday season is typically the busiest time of the year for Canada Post. The Crown corporation has reported missing out on delivering approximately 10 million parcels since the strike began. This has forced many small businesses to seek alternative, often more expensive, shipping options.

Retail analyst Bruce Winder noted that while larger retailers with their own logistics networks are less affected, small businesses are bearing the brunt of the strike. "The price increase from Canada Post to couriers is significant, and most small businesses can't afford to absorb these costs," Winder said.

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), added that some small businesses might take a loss this season just to get goods out the door and avoid inventory pileups in the new year. "If we don't have the strike resolved this week, most merchants are not going to be able to use Canada Post as a reliable delivery service," Kelly warned.

Even if the strike is resolved soon, it will likely take weeks for Canada Post to clear the backlog of unsent items and catch up with the demand. This means that many holiday packages may not arrive until after Christmas, causing further inconvenience for consumers and businesses.

The strike has also highlighted the vulnerability of rural and remote communities that rely solely on Canada Post for their mail delivery. "Everyone saying we don't need Canada Post obviously doesn't live in a rural area that couriers don't come to," one consumer commented online.

As negotiations between Canada Post and the union continue, businesses and consumers are left hoping for a swift resolution to minimize the impact on the holiday season.



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