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CUSMA Not Renewed: What the Trade Deal Impasse Means for Your Wallet

  July 2, 2026 | Trade & Economy The mandatory six-year review of Canada's most important trade agreement came and went this week — and it did not go the way Ottawa hoped. On July 1, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed that the United States will not renew the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) in its current form, sending the deal into a more uncertain, year-by-year footing right as Canadians are already navigating tariffs, a soft labour market, and a technical recession. Here is what actually happened, why it matters, and what it could mean for your budget in the months ahead. The short version CUSMA isn't dead. It remains legally in force until 2036. But instead of locking in a fresh 16-year term, the deal now shifts into annual reviews, with existing tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos and softwood lumber unresolved for now. What happened on July 1 CUSMA was built with a mandatory joint review every six years. If Canada, the U.S. and Mexico had a...

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CMA Advocates for End to Sick Note Requirements: A Step Towards Better Healthcare Efficiency

 

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) has recently called for the elimination of sick note requirements by employers for short-term minor illnesses. This move aims to reduce the administrative burden on physicians and improve patient care. According to the CMA, the current practice of requiring sick notes for minor illnesses diverts valuable time and resources away from patient care, creating unnecessary strain on the healthcare system.

In a new position paper, the CMA recommends legislative changes to restrict the requirement for sick notes and promote alternatives such as self-certification and flexible leave policies. These changes are expected to enhance healthcare efficiency by preventing millions of unnecessary healthcare interactions annually.

The CMA’s call for action highlights the need for a more streamlined approach to managing minor illnesses in the workplace, ultimately benefiting both employees and the healthcare system.


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