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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...

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Western Discontent Rises Following Liberal Election Victory

In the wake of the recent Liberal election victory, political tensions in Western Canada have intensified. Many Albertans and Saskatchewanians feel increasingly alienated from Ottawa, citing concerns over federal policies that they believe undermine their economic interests. 

Premier Danielle Smith has been vocal about the need for a "reset" in relations between Alberta and the federal government. She has called on Prime Minister Mark Carney to address key issues, including energy development and emissions regulations, warning that failure to do so could lead to a national unity crisis. 

The sentiment of Western alienation is not new, but recent political developments have reignited discussions about secession. Some groups are advocating for a referendum on Western independence, arguing that the region contributes more to Canada’s economy than it receives in return. 

As the new government settles in, the challenge will be to bridge the growing divide between Ottawa and the West. Whether Carney can successfully engage Western leaders and address their concerns remains to be seen, but the stakes for national unity have never been higher.

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