Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today — Oil Diplomacy, TSX Rally, Carney at UNGA, Bond Yields, Canada's AI Gap (Sept. 23, 2026)

  Wednesday, September 23, 2026  |  MoneySavings.ca Oil is pulling back. The TSX is rebounding. Carney is talking deals in New York. And two under-the-radar stories — bond yields creeping up and a warning about Canada's AI ambitions — could quietly reshape your finances. Here's what matters today. 01 of 05 Oil Drops Below $92 as US–Iran Talks Begin at the UN WTI crude pulled back toward $90 per barrel Wednesday — its lowest level since early September — as diplomacy replaced missiles at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. US envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff spent three hours in shuttle talks with Iranian officials on the UNGA sidelines, just hours after President Trump threatened Iran with "annihilation" in his address to the General Assembly. Iran had offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US agreed to ease its naval blockade. Brent settled down roughly 3–4%, snapping five days of decline but still elevated from pre-conflic...

article

Mixed Reactions as Federal Government’s GST Holiday Takes Effect

 

The federal government’s two-month GST holiday, which began on Saturday, has elicited mixed reactions from both businesses and shoppers across Canada. The temporary tax break, aimed at easing affordability concerns during the holiday season, waives the five percent goods and services tax on a range of items including restaurant meals, children’s clothing, and toys.

Businesses Struggle with Compliance

Many businesses have found the implementation of the GST holiday to be an administrative burden. Patrick Neault, general manager of Raffin Bookstore in Montreal, mentioned that his staff had to work extra hours to ensure compliance with the new regulations. “It’s not that much of a deal. It’s like a few percent discount on a transaction,” Neault said, expressing doubt about whether the benefits outweigh the extra work.

Shoppers Show Limited Enthusiasm

Shoppers have also shown lukewarm enthusiasm for the tax break. While some, like Katrina Rose from Halifax, took advantage of the savings on holiday purchases, others, like Jennifer Matthew, felt the savings were too minimal to make a significant impact. “I don’t think it’s going to put a big dent in my wallet by any means,” Matthew said.

Conclusion

As the GST holiday continues until February 15, 2025, businesses and shoppers alike are cautiously optimistic about its potential benefits. While some appreciate the temporary relief, others remain skeptical about its long-term impact.




Comments