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12 Days to the Tariff Deadline: What August 19 Actually Means for Your Wallet

  Published August 7, 2026 Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc is back in Washington, Mark Carney says his tone is "quite firm," and the clock is running out on a deal. Here's what's actually on the line — and why it matters even if you've never shipped a case of wine across the border. The countdown: At 12:01 a.m. ET on August 19, new 50% U.S. tariffs are scheduled to hit roughly $20 billion worth of Canadian exports — with or without a deal. What's actually happening on August 19 On July 20, President Trump signed three separate proclamations under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930 — a Depression-era provision that had never been used this way before. Each proclamation targets a different Canadian sector the U.S. says is treated unfairly: motor vehicles, alcoholic beverages, and dairy. Every covered good gets hit with an additional 50% tariff the moment it crosses into the U.S. The headline categories get the attention, but the actual product lists — buried ...

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Federal government unveils new dental insurance plan for low- and middle-income Canadians

 

The federal government has announced the details of its new dental insurance plan, which will offer dental benefits to low- and middle-income Canadians who do not have private insurance.

The plan, which was a condition of the Liberals’ supply-and-confidence deal with the NDP, will be phased in gradually over 2024, starting with seniors over the age of 87, then children under 18 and people with disabilities, and finally all eligible Canadians in 2025.

The program will cover preventive teeth cleanings, treatments and removable dentures, and will be administered by Sun Life Assurance Company of Canada. The government expects the plan to benefit about 9 million people and cost $13 billion over the first five years.

To qualify, applicants must be Canadian residents with a household income under $90,000 and no private insurance. The government will check the criteria against tax filings and require employers to report on dental coverage. People who do not file their income taxes will not have access to the program.

The government said the plan will complement existing federal and provincial dental health benefits, but it is still negotiating with individual provinces on which program will be the primary payer.

The Liberals said the plan is part of their commitment to build a more inclusive and fair society, and to address the oral health needs of millions of Canadians who cannot afford dental care.

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