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5 Things to Know Today: Inflation Data, a Tariff Countdown, and a Big Energy Deal

  August 17, 2026 Inflation data lands this morning, the clock on the U.S. tariff deadline is down to two days, and a long-running provincial energy dispute is about to be settled. Here's what's moving your money today. 1. Today's Inflation Report Could Set the Tone for September Statistics Canada releases July's Consumer Price Index this morning. Economists are expecting the annual rate to tick up to roughly 2.9%, from 2.8% in June, mainly because gasoline prices swung higher again in July after the Middle East conflict pushed oil prices back up. Core inflation measures, which the Bank of Canada watches most closely, aren't expected to move much. What it means for you: A hotter-than-expected print would make it less likely the Bank of Canada cuts rates at its September 2 meeting, which matters if you're renewing a variable-rate mortgage or carrying a line of credit. A softer number keeps a cut on the table. 2. The Tariff Deadline Is Two Days Away, and Talks Are...

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Ontario PCs Unveil $40-Billion Platform, Promise to Eliminate Alcohol Floor Price

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives, led by Doug Ford, have unveiled a campaign platform promising up to $40 billion in new spending. This announcement comes just three days before the provincial election. The platform includes several previously unannounced measures, such as a $5-billion Protect Ontario Account to counter potential U.S. tariffs, $705 million to expand STEM and skilled trades training at post-secondary institutions, and $50 million to support modular housing technology.

One of the most notable promises is the proposal to eliminate the minimum retail price for liquor. Currently, the minimum price for a 750-millilitre bottle of vodka is set to rise to $31.15 this weekend. Ford argues that removing the floor price will save consumers money and put more money back into their pockets, likening it to a tax break.

The platform, however, does not include a full costing breakdown of how these promises will be funded. Ford defended the absence of detailed cost estimates by citing his government's track record of fiscal responsibility over the past seven years.

As the election day approaches, voters will have to weigh these ambitious promises against the potential impact on the province's budget and economic stability.


: [Source 1](https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/ontario-pcs-make-40b-in-platform-promises-pledge-to-axe-floor-price-for-alcohol/ar-AA1zEG0C)

: [Source 2](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/doug-fords-pcs-promise-40b-174158783.html)

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