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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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Ontario Braces for Back-to-Back Snowstorms: Travel Warnings Issued

Winter is in full swing across Ontario, with three more rounds of snow expected to hit the region this week. The back-to-back storm systems are bringing gusty winds and heavy snowfall, making travel difficult and dangerous.

The first round of snow, a clipper system, has already blanketed eastern Ontario with 5-10 cm of snow, leading to school bus cancellations and winter weather travel advisories in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Visibility has been significantly reduced at times, prompting warnings for drivers to slow down and be prepared to stop.

As the clipper system moves out, lake-effect snow will sporadically impact southern Ontario, potentially bringing **10-20 cm of snow** locally. Another clipper system is expected to spread snow from Thunder Bay to Ottawa through Thursday afternoon, adding another 5-10 cm of snow to the mix.

The most significant event is forecasted for Thursday night into Friday, with a Texas low developing near Lake Erie. This system could bring a mix of rain and snow, changing to heavy snowfall as colder air moves in. Forecasters are closely monitoring the storm's track, as it could be quite impactful for the region.

With temperatures plunging into the minus teens by Saturday, Ontarians are advised to stay updated with the latest weather alerts and road conditions. The first few weeks of February are expected to be volatile, with an active pattern of winter systems.




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