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Air Transat Faces Flight Suspensions Amid Pilot Strike Notice

  Air Transat has announced it will gradually suspend flights starting Monday following a 72-hour strike notice issued by its pilots’ union. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), representing roughly 700 pilots, delivered the notice after nearly a year of unsuccessful negotiations with the airline’s parent company, Transat A.T. Inc. Background The union filed the strike notice on Sunday, giving pilots the legal right to walk off the job as early as Wednesday. Last week, pilots voted 99% in favor of strike action , underscoring their frustration over stalled contract talks. ALPA leaders emphasized that pilots do not want to strike but feel compelled to act after management failed to meet demands for a modernized agreement. Airline Response Air Transat confirmed it will begin suspending flights gradually between December 8 and 9 to prepare for a possible full shutdown. The company stated it is working “around the clock” to reach a deal and minimize disruption for trave...

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Canadian Families Brace for Steeper Grocery Bills in 2026

 


Canadian households are facing another financial squeeze at the checkout line. Grocery costs are projected to rise between 4% and 6%, leaving the average family of four paying nearly $1,000 more for food compared to 2025.

Families are expected to spend $17,571.79 on groceries in 2026, an increase of $994.63 from the previous year. This marks yet another jump in food costs, which are now 27% higher than they were five years ago.

What’s Driving the Increase?

  • Meat prices are expected to lead the surge, with beef projected to climb by as much as 7%.
  • Vegetables may rise 3% to 5%, while fruit could see increases of 1% to 3%.
  • Bakery, dairy, and eggs are forecasted to rise 2% to 4%, while seafood will edge up 1% to 2%.
  • Even restaurant meals and packaged goods are expected to jump 4% to 6%, compounding the pressure on household budgets.

Regional Impact

Families in Alberta, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec are expected to feel the pinch more acutely, with price hikes above the national average. Meanwhile, one-quarter of Canadian households are already considered food insecure, raising concerns about affordability and access.

The Bigger Picture

While Canada’s overall inflation rate is expected to stabilize around 2%, food inflation remains stubbornly high. Experts warn that the issue is no longer cyclical but structural, reflecting deeper challenges in Canada’s food economy.

For Canadians, the forecast means tough choices ahead: stretching budgets, cutting back on non-essentials, or seeking out cheaper alternatives. As grocery bills continue to climb, the pressure on families underscores the urgent need for solutions to address food affordability nationwide.

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