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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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China Calls for Dialogue Amid Market Turmoil Following US Tariffs

China has responded to the recent market upheaval caused by U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs, stating that "the market has spoken" in rejecting the trade measures. The tariffs, which include a 34% levy on Chinese goods, have escalated tensions between the world's two largest economies. In retaliation, China imposed similar tariffs on U.S. goods and introduced export restrictions on rare earth materials.

The global stock markets reacted sharply, with significant losses marking the biggest downturn since the pandemic. The S&P 500, for instance, dropped by 9% over the week. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun emphasized the need for "equal-footed consultation" to resolve trade differences and urged the U.S. to reconsider its approach.

Chinese commerce associations have also called for unity in exploring alternative markets, warning that the tariffs could exacerbate inflation in the U.S. and increase the likelihood of a recession. The trade dispute continues to unfold, with both sides showing no immediate signs of backing down.

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