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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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Kremlin Criticizes U.S.-Proposed Ceasefire as Favoring Ukraine

A senior Kremlin official has expressed skepticism over a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Yuri Ushakov, a top foreign policy aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that the ceasefire would merely provide a temporary respite for Ukraine's military forces. Speaking to state television, Ushakov emphasized that Russia seeks a long-term peaceful settlement that addresses its strategic concerns and interests.

The proposal, endorsed by Ukraine, has been presented as a step toward de-escalating the three-year conflict. However, Ushakov criticized the initiative, suggesting it could be a tactical move to bolster Ukraine's military preparedness. The Kremlin has indicated that it requires more detailed information from the U.S. before taking a definitive stance on the matter.

The ceasefire proposal comes amid intensified diplomatic efforts by the U.S., with President Donald Trump urging both sides to consider the plan as a pathway to broader peace negotiations. While Ukraine has signaled its willingness to support the truce, Russia's response remains uncertain, with officials reiterating their focus on achieving a comprehensive and lasting resolution to the conflict.

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