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5 Things to Know Today (Oct. 1): Minimum Wage Hike, Cooler U.S. Inflation, Oil Below $100

  Thursday October 1, 2026 A new quarter, a higher minimum wage in Ontario and a softer inflation read south of the border. Here are the five things that matter to your wallet today. 1 Ontario's minimum wage rises to $17.95 today Ontario's general minimum wage climbs 35 cents, from $17.60 to $17.95 an hour, as of October 1 — a roughly 2% bump tied to Ontario's CPI. The student rate goes to $16.90 (from $16.60) and the homeworker rate to $19.70. A full-time worker at 40 hours a week earns about $718 a week before deductions. Federally regulated workers already have an $18.15 floor, which has applied since April 1. What it means for you: If you pay anyone by the hour — a cleaner, a part-time helper, a seasonal worker — hours worked from today forward must be paid at no less than $17.95, even if the pay period started in September. Workers should check their next paycheque. 2 Cooler U.S. inflation eases the pressure on rate hikes The Fed's preferred inflation gauge came i...

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Canada Dodges Major Impact in Trump's Tariff Storm

In a sweeping move, U.S. President Donald Trump announced retaliatory tariffs targeting imports from dozens of countries. While Canada wasn't entirely spared, it avoided the harshest measures. The new tariffs include a 25% levy on foreign-made automobiles, which could have significant implications for Canada's auto industry. However, Canada is exempt from the baseline 10% tariff applied to other nations.

Trump's administration claims these tariffs aim to bolster domestic manufacturing, but critics warn of potential economic fallout, including higher consumer prices and strained international relations. Canada, already facing tariffs on steel, aluminum, and energy, remains cautious as bilateral tensions continue to rise.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to address these challenges, emphasizing the importance of preserving Canada's economic stability amid shifting trade dynamics. The situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining trade partnerships and navigating protectionist policies.

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