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5 Things to Know Today: Oil Surges, Tariffs Land Tomorrow, Your Gas Tax Break Survives

  Monday, September 7, 2026 — Labour Day | Canadian Money Brief Markets are closed for the holiday, but the week ahead is loaded. Here are five things worth knowing before you head back to your desk tomorrow. 1. Oil Hits a Five-Week High as the Iran Conflict Escalates Crude climbed to $92.06 US/barrel on Saturday — up 17.75% over the past month and nearly 48% year over year — after Iran and the United States exchanged missile strikes this week. Israel's defence minister has threatened "crippling" attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure, the EU has formally joined the US-led sanctions campaign, and US Vice President JD Vance said Washington won't hold peace talks until Iran stops targeting ships in the Strait of Hormuz. What it means for you: Even with the federal gas tax break extended (see #4), pump prices track the price of crude itself. If your tank's getting low, filling up early this week may beat whatever the Strait of Hormuz situation does to prices by...
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Alberta Moves Toward Dual Health-Care Delivery Model

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and her Minister of Hospital and Surgical Health Services, Matt Jones, unveiled the province’s latest plans to improve health care at a Friday news conference in Calgary. 

Alberta is preparing to reshape its health-care system by allowing doctors to deliver both public and private services. The provincial government recently announced legislative changes that would enable residents to privately pay for diagnostic, screening, and preventative services, while still accessing publicly funded care through Alberta Health Services.

What the Plan Means

  • Expanded Choice for Patients: Albertans could soon choose between publicly funded tests and privately purchased services, giving them more flexibility in how they access care.
  • Private Sector Involvement: The plan opens the door for private clinics and providers to deliver services such as MRIs, blood tests, and other preventative screenings.
  • Public System Impact: Critics warn that this shift may strain the public system, as resources and personnel could be diverted to private operations.

Government’s Position

Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange argue that the changes will reduce wait times and improve access to preventative care. They emphasize that the reforms are designed to give Albertans more control over their health choices.

Concerns Raised

  • Equity Issues: Some medical experts caution that wealthier Albertans may benefit disproportionately, while lower-income residents could face longer waits in the public system.
  • Workforce Challenges: The Alberta Medical Association has noted that without addressing physician shortages and retention, the reforms may not achieve their intended outcomes.
  • System Sustainability: Critics argue that introducing private payment options risks undermining the universality of Canada’s health-care model.

Looking Ahead

The legislation is expected to be introduced in late 2025, with implementation beginning in 2026. If passed, Alberta would become one of the first provinces to formally allow doctors to operate in both public and private spheres simultaneously.

This move represents a significant shift in Canadian health policy, sparking debate over whether it will modernize the system or erode its foundational principles of equity and universality.


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