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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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Canada Kicks Off Tax Filing Season


Today marks the official start of the tax filing season in Canada. As of February 24, Canadians can begin submitting their income tax and benefit returns online. This year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced several updates to its digital services to make the process smoother and more efficient for taxpayers.

One of the key changes for the 2025 tax season is the increase in federal income tax brackets by 2.7% to account for inflation. The new tax rates are as follows:

  • - 15% for earnings up to $57,375
  • - 20.5% for earnings between $57,375.01 and $114,750
  • - 26% for earnings between $114,750.01 and $177,882
  • - 29% for earnings between $177,882.01 and $253,414
  • - 33% for earnings above $253,414

Additionally, the contribution limit for the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) has increased to $32,490 for the 2025 tax year, up from $31,560 the previous year. The maximum pensionable earnings and contributions for the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) have also been adjusted, with the Year’s Maximum Pensionable Earnings (YMPE) set at $71,300.

The CRA encourages taxpayers to file their returns early to avoid any last-minute stress and to ensure they receive any refunds or benefit payments they may be eligible for. The deadline for most individuals to file and pay any taxes owed is April 30, 2025. Self-employed Canadians have until June 16, 2025, to file their tax returns, but any money owed should be paid by April 30 to avoid interest charges.

For more information on the 2025 tax filing season and to access helpful resources, visit the CRA's official website.



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