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CUSMA Not Renewed: What the Trade Deal Impasse Means for Your Wallet

  July 2, 2026 | Trade & Economy The mandatory six-year review of Canada's most important trade agreement came and went this week — and it did not go the way Ottawa hoped. On July 1, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the United States will not renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in its current form, sending the deal into a more uncertain, year-by-year footing right as Canadians are already navigating tariffs, a soft labour market, and a technical recession. Here is what actually happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for your budget in the months ahead. The short version CUSMA isn't dead. It remains legally in force until 2036. But instead of locking in a fresh 16-year term, the deal now shifts into annual reviews, with existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos and softwood lumber unresolved for now. What happened on July 1 CUSMA was built with a mandatory joint review every six years. If Canada, the U.S. and Mexico had a...

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Navigating Uncertainty: Capital Gains Tax Changes Leave Taxpayers in a Bind

The recent prorogation of Parliament by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has thrown taxpayers into a state of uncertainty regarding capital gains tax. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) continues to enforce the proposed changes, which increase the inclusion rate from 50% to 66.67% for gains over $250,000, despite the legislation not being formally enacted. This leaves taxpayers with two unappealing options: file based on the proposed legislation and potentially overpay, or file based on the previous rules and risk future penalties.

The CRA's decision to uphold the proposed changes, citing consistency and fairness, has frustrated many who made financial decisions based on the anticipated tax hike. With the future of the legislation uncertain, taxpayers are left scrambling to decide the best course of action.

This situation highlights the need for clear and timely legislative processes to avoid such dilemmas in the future. Until then, taxpayers must navigate these murky waters with caution and seek professional advice to mitigate potential risks.






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