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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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Media Revelation Spurs Probe: Premier Smith Addresses Health Contract Allegations

 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith stated during a recent press briefing that she first learned of the allegations concerning irregularities in health service contracts through media reports  The claims allege that political interference influenced the approval process for private healthcare contracts at Alberta Health Services (AHS), as detailed in a letter from the former AHS CEO .

During the briefing, Premier Smith maintained her confidence in the health minister and denied any involvement in the alleged wrongdoing. She announced that her office has promptly coordinated with the province’s auditor general to secure all relevant documents and ensure a swift, transparent investigation.

Opposition leaders have demanded a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the contracting practices, calling for greater transparency and accountability. As the probe unfolds, Premier Smith remains committed to resolving any issues that may arise and to improving Alberta’s health services.



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