Skip to main content

Featured

WestJet Strike Countdown: What to Do If You're Flying This Long Weekend

  Published July 31, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief If you've got a WestJet flight booked for this weekend, here's the situation in one line: a strike or a lockout could ground the airline's cabin crew as early as Saturday, August 1 at 11:59 p.m. Mountain Time / Sunday, August 2 at 12:01 a.m. MT — right at the start of the busy August long weekend. Nothing has happened yet. WestJet and the union representing its roughly 4,400 flight attendants, CUPE Local 8125, are both still at the table. But both sides have now filed the legal paperwork that makes a work stoppage possible within days, so this is the moment to actually check your booking rather than hope it sorts itself out. HOW WE GOT HERE Flight attendants voted 99.4% in favour of a strike mandate back on July 15. On July 30, the union issued a 72-hour strike notice over wages and unpaid ground work — CUPE says the average flight attendant does about 35 hours a month of unpaid boarding, security, and delay-related work...

article

Icy Assault Looms Over the GTA: Toronto Awaits a Storm of Freezing Rain

A pronounced winter threat challenges southern Ontario this Saturday as freezing rain continues to blanket the region. Early morning reports confirm that communities surrounding Toronto—including Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Newmarket, and others—are already feeling the impact, with even heavier accumulations expected in higher terrain as the storm advances .

Toronto, along with neighboring cities like Mississauga and Brampton, is bracing for a surge in freezing rain expected to kick in by Saturday night. Environment Canada warns that ice buildup of 3 to 5 millimetres in the urban core could lead to slippery roadways, broken tree branches, and power outages, while some areas in Durham Region might see accumulations up to 10 millimetres. With the storm projected to persist into Sunday morning before gradually shifting to rain as temperatures near the freezing mark, officials urge citizens to exercise extra caution on the roads .

Authorities are advising residents to postpone non-essential travel and closely monitor local weather updates. As the freezing conditions threaten infrastructure—risking both treacherous driving conditions and utility disruptions—the public is encouraged to prepare emergency supplies and stay aware of rapidly changing conditions .

This severe late-winter storm is a vivid reminder of nature’s unpredictable force. Whether it’s safeguarding vehicles with winter tires or ensuring that emergency kits are within easy reach, every precaution counts. As southern Ontario rallies in the face of this icy onslaught, communities remain united in their determination to weather the storm and protect one another .

Beyond the immediate concerns, many might wonder how best to prepare for similar events in the future, or even what historical weather patterns suggest about the resilience of the region during such icy bouts. Exploring preparedness strategies—ranging from safe driving tips on ice-covered roads to effective home power backup solutions—can provide valuable insights in mitigating risks during severe winter weather.

Comments