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Gas Is Still $1.81 a Litre: Why Pump Prices Won't Fall (and What to Do Before Winter)

  Canadians hoping for relief at the pump got bad news heading into this week: it isn't coming soon. The national average for regular gas was $1.81 a litre on Friday, according to Kalibrate, with provincial averages ranging from $1.557 in Alberta to $2.156 in Newfoundland, per GasBuddy. That's after a big policy move. On Friday the G7 announced plans to release 100 million barrels of oil right away, starting with diesel. Brent crude dipped on the news, then climbed back to about US$102 a barrel by the afternoon. Don't expect the release to show up at your station, because crude is only half the story. Crude oil explains only half your pump price Wood Mackenzie's Jim Mitchell says crude makes up 50 to 60 per cent of the retail price of gas. The rest is the cost of refining it, and that's where the squeeze is. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem pointed to damaged refining capacity worldwide in a Sept. 21 speech, noting that pump prices reflect crude roughly US$40 a ...
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Three Smart Levers to Cut Your 2025 Tax Bill


Taxes are inevitable, but overpaying them isn’t. With new rules and opportunities in 2025, smart planning can help you keep more of your hard-earned money. Here are three effective levers to reduce your tax liability this year:

1. Maximize Retirement Contributions

  • Contributing to retirement accounts such as RRSPs (Canada) or 401(k)/IRAs (U.S.) remains one of the most effective ways to lower taxable income.
  • Contributions qualify for tax relief at your highest marginal rate, meaning every dollar you save reduces your tax bill significantly.
  • Employer-matching programs make this even more attractive, and withdrawals in retirement can be structured for lower tax exposure.

2. Leverage Tax Credits and Deductions

  • Common deductions include childcare expenses, education costs, and home office claims.
  • Tax credits, unlike deductions, directly reduce the amount you owe, making them especially valuable.
  • Temporary tax breaks introduced in 2025 can be maximized before they expire.

3. Use Investment Strategies Wisely

  • Tax-loss harvesting allows you to offset capital gains by selling underperforming investments.
  • Investing in qualifying businesses through incentive schemes can provide additional tax relief.
  • Diversifying into tax-free accounts such as TFSAs (Canada) or Roth IRAs (U.S.) ensures long-term growth without future tax burdens.

Final Thought

By combining retirement contributions, smart use of credits/deductions, and strategic investing, you can significantly reduce your 2025 tax bill while strengthening your financial future. The key is to act early and take advantage of temporary breaks before they disappear.



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