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Democrats Win U.S. Congress: What It Means for Canadian Tariffs and Your Wallet

  Canadian Money Brief • Wednesday, November 4, 2026 Democrats have won control of both the U.S. House and Senate, including seats in states Donald Trump carried by double digits two years ago. For Canadians, the big question is simple: does this end the tariffs? The short answer is not yet. What happened The Associated Press and major U.S. networks called the Senate for Democrats late Tuesday night and the House early Wednesday. Democrats flipped seven Republican-held Senate seats, according to Forbes’ tally of AP calls, including Maine, North Carolina, Iowa, Ohio and Texas. In the House, roughly 75 races were still undecided at last report, and the new Congress does not take over until 2027. Democratic leaders framed the result as a call for change, while news outlets widely described it as a rebuke of President Trump. Trump told the New York Times he was “absolutely willing” to accept the results and said Republicans would work with Democrats. Why it matters in Canada Democrati...

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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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