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How the Strait of Hormuz Crisis Is Hitting Your Wallet Right Now

Published May 17, 2026  |  Category: Oil Prices & Energy  |  By MoneySavings.ca If you've winced lately at the gas pump or noticed your grocery bill creeping up, you're not imagining it. A geopolitical crisis unfolding halfway around the world — at a narrow strip of water between Iran and Oman — is directly squeezing Canadian budgets. Here's everything you need to know, and what you can do about it. What Is the Strait of Hormuz? The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway just 33 kilometres wide at its tightest point, connecting the Persian Gulf to the open ocean. Despite its modest size, it is the world's single most critical energy chokepoint. Before this crisis, roughly 20 million barrels of oil moved through it every single day — about 20% of all the world's seaborne oil supply, plus significant volumes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Think of it as the world's energy jugular vein. When it gets blocked, the entire planet feels it. What Happened? On Februa...

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Hudson’s Bay Liquidation Marks End of an Era, Thousands of Jobs at Stake

 

Hudson’s Bay, Canada’s oldest retail company, is set to liquidate the majority of its stores, leaving thousands of employees facing layoffs. The company, which has been a cornerstone of Canadian retail for over 350 years, recently filed for creditor protection due to financial challenges, including reduced consumer spending and post-pandemic downtown traffic.

Starting today, liquidation sales will begin at all but six Hudson’s Bay locations across the country. The six stores spared include flagship locations in Toronto and Montreal, among others. However, the company has warned that these stores could also face closure if a restructuring solution is not found quickly.

The liquidation process is expected to impact over 9,000 employees directly, with additional effects on contractors and brand shop-in-shop staff. Many employees, some with decades of service, are grappling with the emotional and financial toll of the closures.

The liquidation sales are set to run until June 15, with stores vacated by June 30. Gift cards will be accepted until April 6, but loyalty points can no longer be redeemed.

This development marks a significant shift in Canada’s retail landscape, as Hudson’s Bay has been a symbol of heritage and commerce for centuries. The company’s iconic striped products and historic point blankets have become collector’s items amid the closures.



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