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WestJet's Strike Deadline Is Hours Away — Here's What You're Owed (and What You're Not)

  August 1, 2026 Thousands of flights are already being cancelled ahead of a possible strike this long weekend. Before you panic-book a new flight or file an insurance claim, here's what Canada's passenger rights rules actually cover — and the one detail almost nobody is explaining correctly. Where things stand this morning WestJet's roughly 4,000-plus flight attendants, represented by CUPE 8125, issued a 72-hour strike notice Thursday; WestJet answered with its own 72-hour lockout notice. Unless a deal is reached, a strike or lockout could begin as early as 12:01 a.m. Mountain time Sunday, Aug. 2. The airline has already started an "organized take-down" of its network, cancelling roughly 80 flights scheduled for today (Aug. 1) alone, with more cancellations expected as the deadline nears. Talks are still ongoing, and federal Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon has said negotiations are "progressing." The rights nuance almost no one is explaining correctly ...

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Tech Relief: U.S. Exempts Electronics from Latest Tariffs

In a significant move, the U.S. government has decided to exempt smartphones, computers, and other electronics from its latest round of tariffs. This decision, announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, provides much-needed relief to major technology firms like Apple and Dell Technologies, as well as chip manufacturers such as Nvidia.

The exemptions cover 20 product categories, including laptops, hard drives, memory chips, and flat-panel monitors. These items, primarily imported from China, will no longer be subject to the steep 125% reciprocal tariffs or the 10% baseline tariffs on imports from other countries. This move is expected to ease the financial burden on consumers and tech companies alike, especially as many of these products are not manufactured domestically.

Analysts have hailed the decision as a positive step for the tech industry, which has been grappling with uncertainties due to ongoing trade tensions. Dan Ives, a Wedbush Securities analyst, described the announcement as "bullish news" for tech investors. 

The exemptions reflect an awareness of the potential impact of tariffs on inflation-weary consumers and the broader economy. While the trade war between the U.S. and China continues, this decision offers a temporary reprieve for the tech sector. 



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