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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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Tensions Escalate in Gaza Amid Ceasefire Uncertainty

 

In a tragic turn of events, Israeli fire has claimed the lives of at least two individuals in Gaza, further intensifying fears that the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could collapse. The incident occurred in Rafah, with additional injuries reported in Khan Younis, located in the southern region of Gaza.

The ceasefire, which began in January, recently reached a critical juncture as its first phase concluded without a clear agreement on the next steps. Hamas has called for the initiation of a second phase, which would involve a permanent Israeli withdrawal and an end to the ongoing conflict. However, Israel has proposed a temporary extension of the truce, contingent on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees.

Adding to the tension, Israel has imposed a total blockade on Gaza, halting the supply of essential goods such as food and fuel. This has left the 2.3 million residents of Gaza in dire straits, with skyrocketing prices and dwindling resources. The blockade has also led to heightened fears of renewed violence, as Israeli tanks and artillery have intensified their presence along Gaza's borders.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with mediators urging both sides to find a resolution. However, the path forward remains uncertain, as both Israel and Hamas hold firm to their respective demands.

This latest escalation underscores the precarious nature of the ceasefire and the urgent need for a sustainable solution to the long-standing conflict.

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