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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...

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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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