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What to Do with Your Tax Refund: 5 Smart Moves for Canadians

  Tax Season · Personal Finance By MoneySavings.ca Editorial Team • May 7, 2026 • 7 min read Tax season is wrapping up across Canada, and for millions of Canadians, that means a refund cheque — or a direct deposit — is on its way. The average Canadian tax refund hovers around $1,800. That's real money. The question is: what's the smartest thing you can do with it? It's tempting to treat a tax refund like "found money" and splurge. But here's the truth — that refund was your money all along. The government was just holding it for you, interest-free. So before it quietly disappears into day-to-day spending, let's look at five moves that will make it work harder for you. $1,800 The average Canadian tax refund — enough to make a meaningful dent in debt, pad an emergency fund, or kick-start your TFSA for the year. 1 Pay Down High-Interest Debt First If you're carrying a balance on a credit card, this should be your very first call. Most Canadian credit car...
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Canada’s Counter-Tariff Play: Targeting American Consumer Essentials

In response to U.S. tariffs, the Canadian government has unveiled a counter-tariff strategy aimed squarely at a broad spectrum of American consumer goods. The measures, set to take effect in two phases beginning Tuesday, target products that are both highly popular in the United States and strategically chosen to minimize the domestic impact in Canada.

Among the first wave of goods to be hit are items from the food and beverage category. American beer, wine, and bourbon are on the list, as are fruits and fruit juices—including specialty items such as orange juice from key U.S. producing states. In addition to these, Canada’s counter-tariffs extend to everyday consumer staples like clothing and footwear, along with accessories and undergarments. Household items are also in the crosshairs; retailers should expect tariffs on appliances, furniture, and a range of home wares.

Other categories include automotive parts and motorcycles, reflecting a broader approach that touches on recreational goods and transport components. Even products such as tobacco, lumber, and paper are being targeted, underlining the comprehensive nature of the retaliatory measures. According to senior government officials, the selected items are expected to hit key sectors of the American economy, serving as a clear signal that the counter-tariff strategy is designed not only to retaliate but also to press for a resolution of the ongoing trade dispute citeturn0search6; citeturn0search1.

This move marks another chapter in the evolving trade tensions between Canada and the United States. While the full list of targeted products will expand in the coming weeks, these early steps highlight Canada’s intention to use its tariff tools strategically—aiming to affect sectors where American consumers are likely to feel the pinch while ensuring that Canadian industries, with available domestic alternatives, remain largely insulated.

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