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5 Things to Know Today: G7 Oil Release, Pipeline Fast-Track and Ontario's N1 Deadline (Oct. 3)

  Canadian Money Brief • Saturday, October 3, 2026 Markets are closed for the weekend, so here is what moved on Friday and what it means for your wallet as the week turns. Five things worth knowing today. 1. The G7 Is Releasing 100 Million Barrels of Oil and Fuel G7 leaders, Canada included, agreed Friday to release 100 million barrels of crude and refined products from emergency reserves over the next four months, with a front-loaded diesel release in the first 20 days. Washington had been pressing allies to act as fuel prices climbed. Oil barely budged on the news: Brent settled at US$102.25 a barrel and WTI at US$91.11, down US$1.76. Analysts noted it is not yet clear whether the 100 million barrels is new supply or the tail end of the release pledged in March. What it means for you: Diesel comes first, which matters more for freight and grocery costs than for your gas tank. With Brent still around US$100, do not count on a quick drop at the pump. 2. A Weak U.S. Jobs Report Shi...

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St. Patrick’s Day: History, Celebrations, and Fun Facts


 St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17, holds a rich history that intertwines religion, culture, and legend. Let’s delve into the fascinating origins of this festive day:

  1. Who Was St. Patrick?

    • Saint Patrick, born in Roman Britain during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle.
    • At the age of 16, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave. After escaping, he returned to Ireland and is credited with bringing Christianity to its people.
    • One of the most well-known legends associated with St. Patrick is that he used the three leaves of a native Irish clover, the shamrock, to explain the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
  2. Early Observance in Ireland:

    • For over 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday.
    • During the Christian season of Lent, Irish families traditionally attended church in the morning and celebrated in the afternoon.
    • Lenten prohibitions against meat consumption were waived, allowing people to dance, drink, and feast on the traditional meal of Irish bacon and cabbage.
  3. First St. Patrick’s Day Parade:

    • Surprisingly, the first St. Patrick’s Day parade did not take place in Ireland but in America.
    • Records show that a parade was held on March 17, 1601, in a Spanish colony in what is now St. Augustine, Florida.
    • Homesick Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched in New York City on March 17, 1772, to honor the Irish patron saint.
    • Enthusiasm for St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York City, Boston, and other American cities continued to grow.
  4. Growth of Celebrations:

    • Irish patriotism among American immigrants flourished, leading to the rise of “Irish Aid” societies.
    • These societies held annual parades featuring bagpipes and drums.
    • In 1848, several New York Irish Aid societies united their parades to form the world’s oldest civilian parade: the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which remains the largest in the United States with over 150,000 participants.

So, as we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let’s raise a glass to the enduring legacy of this beloved holiday! 

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