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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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How U.S. Tariffs on Canada Could Drive Up Prices for Consumers


With the possibility of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, consumers may soon see higher prices on everyday goods. Canada is a key trade partner, supplying everything from raw materials to finished products. If tariffs are imposed, here’s what could get expensive first:

  1. Lumber & Construction Materials – Canada is the largest foreign supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S. Tariffs could raise homebuilding and renovation costs.
  2. Vehicles & Auto Parts – Canadian auto plants export billions in cars and parts annually. Higher costs could lead to increased vehicle prices.
  3. Food & Beverages – From maple syrup to seafood, Canadian agricultural exports would likely see price hikes at U.S. grocery stores.
  4. Aluminum & Steel Products – These metals are essential for industries like aerospace, construction, and beverage packaging, meaning everything from soda cans to airplanes could get pricier.
  5. Energy & Fuel – Canada is a major oil and gas supplier. Tariffs on crude oil imports could lead to higher gas prices at the pump.

While the U.S. could use tariffs as a tool for trade negotiations, the economic impact on consumers and industries would be hard to ignore. Whether these measures are implemented remains to be seen, but the potential for price increases is real.

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