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10 Days Left: What the End of the Gas Tax Holiday Actually Costs You

  By MoneySavings.ca  |  August 28, 2026 The federal gas tax holiday ends in 10 days. Starting September 8, the 10-cent-per-litre federal excise tax on gasoline comes back — and diesel's 4-cent-per-litre tax returns with it. If you've gotten used to cheaper fill-ups since April, here's exactly what changes and what it'll cost you. What the Tax Holiday Actually Did Back in April, Ottawa suspended the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuels to cushion Canadians from a spike in global oil prices tied to the Iran conflict. Since April 20, the federal excise rate on gasoline has sat at 0 cents per litre instead of the usual 10 cents. Diesel and aviation fuel taxes dropped to zero from their normal 4-cent rate. Finance Canada pegged the total relief at more than $2.4 billion over the year. That relief window closes September 7 — Labour Day — inclusive. On September 8, rates snap back to their standard levels: 10 cents/litre on gasoline, 4 cents/litre o...

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Starbucks Workers Escalate Strike, Threatening Holiday Operations

 

Starbucks workers across the United States have launched a five-day strike, demanding better pay, staffing, and schedules. The strike, organized by the Starbucks Workers United union, began on December 20th in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle. The union warns that the strike could impact hundreds more stores by Christmas Eve.

Union members cite unresolved issues over wages and labor practices as key reasons for the protest. Despite earning an average of $21 an hour, baristas argue that this wage is inadequate given inflation and the high cost of living, especially since many employees don't receive 40-hour workweeks.

Starbucks has held multiple bargaining sessions with the union since April but claims that the union prematurely ended the latest session. The company has offered a 1.5% wage increase in future years, but the union has rejected this offer, demanding a more substantial raise.

As the holiday season approaches, the strike poses a significant challenge for Starbucks, which relies heavily on holiday sales. The union's actions reflect a broader trend of labor unrest in the service industry, with similar strikes occurring at other major companies.

The outcome of these negotiations remains uncertain, but the strike has already garnered significant attention and support from the public.



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