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5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...

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Canada Faces Pressure to Provide Safe Haven for America's Trans Community Following Trump's Gender Order

 

In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent executive order, which mandates the recognition of only two sexes—male and female—there is growing pressure on the Canadian government to offer refuge to America's transgender community. The order, signed on Trump's first day back in office, has sparked widespread concern and backlash, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates.

The executive order, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," effectively rolls back protections for transgender individuals by requiring government documents to recognize only male and female as sexes. This move has left many transgender Americans feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future.

In response, prominent trans activists in Canada are calling on the federal government to update travel safety guidelines for trans Canadians traveling to the U.S. and to consider offering asylum to those affected by the new policy. Fae Johnstone, executive director of the Society of Queer Momentum, has voiced concerns about the potential dangers trans individuals may face when crossing the border with passports that do not conform to the new U.S. regulations.

Canada has long been seen as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering comprehensive protections for gender identity and expression. However, recent events have highlighted the need for continued vigilance and support for the trans community, both domestically and internationally.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Canadian government will respond to the growing calls for action. For now, trans activists and allies continue to advocate for the rights and safety of transgender individuals on both sides of the border.


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