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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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Trade Tensions Escalate as Trump Maintains Tariffs Amid Ford's Policy Shift

 

In a recent development, U.S. President Donald Trump has decided to keep the 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports intact, despite Ontario Premier Doug Ford's decision to lift the electricity tax on U.S.-bound energy. The tariffs, initially imposed as part of a broader trade strategy, have been a point of contention between the two nations.

Ford's move to remove the electricity tax was seen as an olive branch to ease trade tensions. However, Trump's administration has opted to maintain the tariffs, citing the need to protect domestic industries. This decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some applauding the commitment to American manufacturing, while others criticize the potential strain on U.S.-Canada relations.

The ongoing trade dispute underscores the complexities of international economic policies and their far-reaching implications. As both leaders stand firm on their respective stances, the path to resolution remains uncertain.

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