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5 Things to Know Today: Tariffs, a CPI Surprise, and the Mortgage Rate Gap

  July 21, 2026 A new round of US tariffs, a surprise inflation dip, and a widening gap between fixed and variable mortgage rates are all moving in different directions today. Here's what's happening and what it means for your money. 1. Washington hits Canada with new 50% tariffs on everyday goods The White House has announced fresh 50% tariffs on a wide list of Canadian exports, including wine, dairy, furniture, hockey equipment, cement, and clothing. The move is framed as retaliation over Canada's dairy quotas, car import rules, and provincial bans on US alcohol. The tariffs take effect August 19 and apply even to goods that would normally qualify duty-free under CUSMA, though energy, potash, fish, and critical minerals are exempt. What it means for you: This round targets export industries, not imports into Canada, so it won't directly raise shelf prices here the way a Canadian tariff on US goods would. The bigger risk is indirect — job pressure in affected sectors ...

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Economists Criticize Liberals' New Stimulus Package, Question Long-Term Impact

 

Canada’s Liberal government has unveiled a new stimulus package aimed at addressing economic uncertainty, but the move is drawing skepticism from economists who question its rationale and potential implications for fiscal policy.

The package, which includes targeted financial relief for low- and middle-income households, tax credits for businesses, and infrastructure investments, is designed to counter inflationary pressures and boost economic activity. However, experts warn that such measures may have unintended consequences.

“Introducing new spending programs in the current economic climate could exacerbate deficits and put additional strain on taxpayers in the long run,” said Kevin Milligan, an economics professor at the University of British Columbia. “It’s not good for tax policy to continually rely on temporary fixes.”

Critics also argue that the package lacks clear metrics for success and risks fueling inflation rather than curbing it. Others, however, defend the plan as necessary to support vulnerable Canadians amid rising costs of living and global economic uncertainty.

As Parliament debates the package, opposition parties have demanded greater transparency on how the funding will be allocated and its expected impact on Canada’s long-term economic health.


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