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5 Things to Know Today: Retaliation Tariffs Hit, Oil Spikes on Saudi Strikes

  Tuesday, September 8, 2026 — Your morning rundown of the Canadian financial news that actually affects your wallet. 1. Canada's $27.6B Retaliation Tariffs Take Effect At 12:01 a.m. today, Canada's countermeasures against more than 700 U.S. products came into force, matching Washington's August 22 tariffs dollar-for-dollar. Tariffs on American steel and aluminum double to 50%, while new levies of 15% to 50% now apply to dairy, appliances, agricultural equipment, pulp and paper, and electronics. A $7.5-billion support package is rolling out for affected Canadian businesses. What it means for you: U.S.-made appliances (fridges, freezers, washers, dryers, ranges) now carry a 25% tariff, and cheese, whey, and milk powder imports jump 25%–50%. Shopping for a new appliance or specialty dairy product? Expect price increases to show up at retail over the coming weeks. 2. Oil Surges to ~$99 on Overnight Saudi Strikes Overnight strikes on Saudi energy facilities pushed Brent crude...
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A Symbol of Hope: Tiny Christmas Tree Amidst Church Ruins in Lebanon

 

In the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, amidst the ruins of the 18th-century St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a tiny Christmas tree now stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. The church, devastated by an Israeli airstrike in October, once served as a vibrant community center. 

Georges Elia, a 40-year-old municipal worker and churchgoer, took it upon himself to bring some normalcy to the holiday season. "This year, Christmas is arriving with sadness for us, but we didn't want it to be a sad one for the town's residents and its church," Elia said. 

The modest tree, shorter than Elia himself, is decorated with a shining garland and a star. Despite the lack of lights and a traditional Nativity scene due to the war's destruction, the tree stands tall among the fallen stones and shattered pews. "But, of course, Christ is born in our hearts, lit with our love for him," Elia added.

The church's priest, Father Maurice el Khoury, who has served for 11 years, conducts Sunday Mass in a small underground room that once housed visiting bishops. "This room is more like the cave where Jesus was born," he said, reminding families of the true essence of the holiday season.

The community's faith remains unshaken, and despite the staggering financial toll of the damage, estimated at nearly $3 million, they continue to celebrate Christmas with hope and love.



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