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Federal Budget 2025: What It Means for Your Money

The 2025 federal budget introduces a mix of tax cuts, housing measures, and spending shifts that will directly affect Canadians’ day-to-day finances. While the government projects a significant deficit, the plan focuses on affordability and long-term growth. Here are eight key ways it impacts your wallet: 1. Lower Income Taxes The lowest federal tax bracket will be reduced from 15% to 14% starting mid-2025, giving middle-income earners some relief. 2. Vacant Home Measures The Underused Housing Tax will be expanded to discourage vacant and underutilized properties, aiming to free up more housing supply. 3. Student Loan Relief Repayment assistance will be enhanced, with lower income thresholds and capped monthly payments to ease the burden on graduates. 4. Consumer Protection New rules will cut down on excessive banking fees and strengthen protections for financial consumers, especially those with modest incomes. 5. Housing Affordability Programs Funding will support first-...

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Historic U.S. Shutdown Grounds Travel Hopes for Canadians

        Travellers wait in long security lines at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, Monday, Nov. 3, 2025, in Houston.

As the U.S. government shutdown stretches into its 36th day—making it the longest in American history—Canadian travelers are feeling the ripple effects. With thousands of U.S. federal employees furloughed or working without pay, the aviation sector is under immense strain, leading to widespread delays and cancellations across major airports.

Air traffic controllers, many of whom have missed multiple paychecks, are increasingly calling in sick or seeking alternative employment. This has triggered staffing shortages at key airports like Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental and Newark Liberty, where wait times have ballooned to several hours. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued alerts for understaffed control towers in cities including Nashville, Jacksonville, and Denver.

Transportation officials have warned that if the shutdown continues, the country could face “mass chaos” in air travel, with the Department of Transportation even considering limiting flights. For Canadians, this means not only longer lines and potential cancellations when flying into or through the U.S., but also possible disruptions to domestic flights due to interconnected air traffic systems.

Despite a partial travel boycott by some Canadians in response to U.S. policies, thousands still cross the border daily for business, leisure, or family visits. Experts caution that until a resolution is reached in Washington, travelers should brace for delays, monitor airline updates closely, and consider alternative routes or travel dates.

With the holiday season approaching, the uncertainty surrounding U.S. air travel is casting a long shadow over cross-border plans. For now, patience and flexibility are the best tools in a traveler’s kit.


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