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Sept 15 Tariff Shift: What's Actually Changing on Canadian Goods (And What Isn't)

  Published September 12, 2026 At 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday, September 15, a new round of U.S. tariff changes takes effect on Canadian goods. If you've seen headlines calling this a "new 50% tariff on Canadian steel, aluminum and paper," here's the more accurate story: it isn't a new tariff at all. It's the U.S. reshuffling which products fall under a 50% tariff that's already been in place since August 22 — adding some categories, removing others, on the same day. Here's what's actually happening, and why it matters more to Canadian manufacturers and cross-border shoppers than to your everyday grocery bill. The tariff this modifies Back on August 22, 2026, the U.S. imposed a 50% tariff under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 on roughly $20 billion CAD of Canadian goods. The White House framed it as retaliation for Canadian "discrimination" against U.S. alcoholic beverages, dairy, and motor vehicles — three separate proclamations, eac...

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USAID Layoffs Amid Myanmar Earthquake Response Spark Controversy

In the aftermath of Myanmar's devastating 7.7-magnitude earthquake, which has claimed over 3,300 lives, three U.S. aid workers from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) were unexpectedly laid off while actively participating in rescue and recovery efforts. The terminations, announced during their mission, have raised concerns about the impact of recent cuts to USAID under the Trump administration.

Marcia Wong, a former senior USAID official, expressed dismay at the timing of the layoffs, describing them as demoralizing for workers striving to deliver humanitarian aid. The administration's decision to reduce USAID staff and funding has hindered the agency's ability to respond effectively to international disasters, while other nations, including China and Russia, have stepped in with substantial assistance.

The U.S. government has pledged $9 million in aid to Myanmar, but critics argue that the dismantling of USAID has compromised the coordination and delivery of relief efforts. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the administration's response, citing challenges posed by Myanmar's military government.

The layoffs highlight broader concerns about the future of U.S. humanitarian aid and its role in global disaster response. As Myanmar continues to grapple with the aftermath of the earthquake, the international community is stepping up efforts to provide relief and support.

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