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5 Things to Know Today: Key Money Headlines for Canadians

1. Spring Economic Update Lands Today Finance Minister François‑Philippe Champagne tables the 2026 Spring Economic Update this afternoon, outlining Ottawa’s latest fiscal outlook and new measures aimed at supporting Canadians amid global instability. 2. Fuel Excise Tax Temporarily Suspended Prime Minister Mark Carney has paused the federal excise tax on gas, diesel, and aviation fuel , offering short‑term relief as energy prices remain elevated due to geopolitical tensions.  3. Canada’s First Sovereign Wealth Fund Announced Carney has unveiled the Canada Strong Fund , the country’s first sovereign wealth fund, designed to finance major national infrastructure and economic‑building projects in partnership with the private sector.  4. CPP & OAS Payments Arrive Today New CPP and OAS payments are being issued today, including adjustments for seniors affected by recovery tax calculations, which are spread across monthly OAS payments.  5. Global Instability Conti...

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Winter's Dawn: Celebrating the Solstice

The Winter Solstice, which occurred on December 21st, marks the shortest day and longest night of the year, signaling the official start of winter. Mary Walrath-Holdridge and Julia Gomez from USA TODAY explore the significance of this astronomical event and how it is celebrated across different cultures.

The solstice, occurring when the North Pole is tilted furthest away from the sun, brings the least amount of daylight and the longest night. This year, the solstice fell on December 21st at 4:21 a.m. EST, marking the astronomical beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Historically, the Winter Solstice has been a time of celebration and reflection. Ancient civilizations, such as the Romans with their Saturnalia festival and the Norsemen with their bonfires, honored the return of the sun and the promise of longer days ahead. Today, people continue to observe the solstice with various traditions, including gatherings, feasts, and rituals that pay homage to the natural cycles of light and darkness.

The Winter Solstice also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance in nature and the promise of longer days to come. As we embrace the winter season, it’s a perfect opportunity to slow down, find warmth in the company of loved ones, and cherish the cozy moments that this time of year brings.

No matter how you choose to observe this day, the Winter Solstice invites us all to reflect on the passing year and set intentions for the new one. So, light a candle, sip on some hot cocoa, and embrace the magic of winter's arrival.




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