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U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio

  Canadian Money Brief | Feature U.S. Midterms Tuesday: What the Vote Could Mean for the Loonie, Tariffs and Your Portfolio By MoneySavings.ca | Published November 1, 2026 Americans vote Tuesday in elections that will fill all 435 House seats and 35 Senate seats. Canadians don't get a ballot, but we do get the consequences: a loonie that swung from an 18-month low to a six-week high in about two weeks, a tariff fight that has put 50% duties on roughly US$20 billion of our exports, and a lot of U.S. stock sitting inside our TFSAs and RRSPs. Here is how to think about all of it without trying to guess the winner. The short version: Nobody can reliably trade an election result. Forecasters lean toward Democrats winning the House, with the Senate closer. But history says the bigger market moves tend to come in the months after the vote, not on election night. For Canadians, the useful steps are practical: convert U.S. dollars in pieces, know how much U.S. stock you hold, and don't...

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Temporary GST Breaks: What's Covered and What's Not


Starting December 14, 2024, and lasting until February 15, 2025, the Canadian government has introduced temporary GST/HST breaks on a variety of essential items. This tax relief aims to provide financial relief to Canadians during the holiday season.


What's Included:

  •  Food and Beverages: All groceries, restaurant meals, and drinks will be exempt from GST/HST.
  • Children's Items: Clothing, footwear, diapers, car seats, toys, and jigsaw puzzles for all ages will also benefit from the tax break.
  • Books and Newspapers:  Printed books and newspapers are included in the relief.
  • Holiday Decorations: Christmas trees and similar decorative items are also covered.
  • Video Game Consoles and Games: Physical video game consoles, controllers, and games qualify for the tax break.


What's Not Included:

  • Luxury Items: High-end electronics, jewelry, and luxury clothing are not covered by the GST/HST break.
  • Alcoholic Beverages: While regular beverages are included, alcoholic drinks are excluded from the tax relief.
  • Non-Essential Toys and Games: Items not specifically listed under children's toys or educational games do not qualify.
  • Sports Equipment: Items used exclusively for sports or recreational activities are not included.


This temporary tax break is designed to make essential goods more affordable and provide some financial relief during the holiday season. Make sure to take advantage of these savings while they last!





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