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Oil Prices Are Spiking — Here's What It Means for Your Gas Tank and Grocery Bill

  Published July 17, 2026 Crude oil is trading near one-month highs this week, and if you've filled up your tank recently, you've probably already felt it. The culprit: an escalating conflict in the Middle East that's disrupting one of the world's most important oil shipping routes — and it's starting to show up at Canadian pumps and, eventually, on grocery store shelves. What's happening with oil prices West Texas Intermediate (WTI), the North American benchmark, has been trading around the $79–$80 per barrel range this week — up roughly 5% over the past month. Brent crude, the global benchmark that matters more for what Canadians pay at the pump, has been hovering near $85 per barrel, also near a one-month high. The spike traces back to renewed fighting between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. reimposed a naval blockade on Iran and has intensified strikes, while Iran has responded with attacks on U.S. bases and threats to disrupt regional energy shipments further. ...

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Ford Calls for Early Election Amidst Political Turmoil


Ontario Premier Doug Ford is set to request the dissolution of the provincial parliament today, triggering an early election scheduled for February 27. Ford's office announced that he will visit Lt.-Gov. Edith Dumont this afternoon to end the legislature's 43rd parliament. Ford has stated that he needs a new mandate from the electorate to address issues related to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Opposition leaders, including NDP Leader Marit Stiles, Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie, and Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, have criticized the decision, calling it a waste of time and money. Despite the controversy, Ford plans to continue his duties as premier, including a visit to Washington, D.C., in February with other premiers, while also campaigning as the leader of the Progressive Conservatives.

The early election call comes amidst a backdrop of political and economic challenges, with Ford seeking to solidify his position and address pressing issues facing the province.

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