AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn | Globalnews.ca


Tax season is underway and security experts warn that artificial intelligence is making it easier for even inexperienced fraudsters to fool their victims.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

“With AI, they can craft emails that are so believable compared to years past,” Kaseya cybersecurity expert Miles Walker told Consumer Matters.

The Canada Revenue Agency has stated that generative AI is creating more sophisticated malicious content, which would have previously required significant knowledge, time, and resources to design. Walker says this year he expects to see a significant rise in AI-generated voice calls, which weren’t part of a cybercriminal’s playbook in the past.

“It’s become so much easier to generate those life-like voice calls and what they are doing is that they will send you to a call centre where you are going to be giving out information that you shouldn’t be giving out,” said Walker.

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Walker also expects to see an uptick in scams after the April 30 deadline to file your personal taxes.

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“This year, more than any other, they are going to be looking at ways to attack you both before the April 30th deadline and after,” said Walker.


Click to play video: 'Consumer Matters: How to avoid tax scams'


Consumer Matters: How to avoid tax scams


Common red flags to avoid being scammed include texts, voicemails, and emails created with a sense of urgency, a promise of large refunds, or a request to verify your personal credentials or banking information.

“Never click on any links and only go to the agency’s (CRA) official website,” said Walker.

The CRA is also reminding taxpayers that the agency will never send refunds or payments by e-transfer or text message, threaten to deport or arrest you or use aggressive and threatening language.

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Walker also recommends people set up multi-factor authentication to add another layer of protection to personal devices and accounts. He’s also encouraging families to have an open dialogue around fraud.

“Have conversations with your parents. If you have kids that are at the tax-paying age, have a conversation about cybersecurity. They probably haven’t learned anything of this in school. When we are talking about older family members, they are the most vulnerable and that’s one of the prey that cybercriminals are looking to attack,” Walker added.


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China will suspend tariffs on some Canadian agricultural goods | Globalnews.ca


China’s government says it will suspend some tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods following a recent visit by Prime Minister Mark Carney.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

The country’s finance ministry says 100 per cent tariffs on canola meal and peas, and a 25 per cent levy on lobsters and crabs, will not be imposed.

A statement says the announcement, which made no mention of canola seed tariffs, will take effect March 1 and continue through to the end of 2026.


Click to play video: 'China drops visa requirement for Canadian tourists, business visitors'


China drops visa requirement for Canadian tourists, business visitors


The announcement comes after Carney met earlier this year with Chinese President Xi Jinping in a visit that saw the leaders ink a deal on electric vehicles and canola.

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The pair agreed Canada would import up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles each year at a tariff rate of 6.1 per cent in exchange for lower duties on canola seed.

Carney’s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


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Quebec coffee roaster comes home after tariff-driven move to U.S. | Globalnews.ca


One of Quebec’s best-known coffee producers is bringing production back to Canada after shifting part of its operations to the United States during a period of steep tariffs.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

Sherbrooke-based Café William says it has begun repatriating a portion of its production to Quebec following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that led to the removal of tariffs on coffee exports to the United States.

The company had temporarily transferred some production south of the border after tariffs exceeding 35 per cent threatened the viability of certain contracts with American private-label clients.

In a statement, Café William said the move was a temporary measure designed to protect its Quebec operations and workforce.

“To mitigate these impacts while preserving jobs and operations in Quebec, Café William entered into a production exchange agreement with an American partner,” the company said.

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“With the tariffs now revoked, we are able to bring this production back to our facilities in Sherbrooke and resume normal operations in Canada.”

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The company added that throughout the transition, all Café William products sold in Canada continued to be roasted in Sherbrooke and no layoffs occurred.

It says it is now hiring to support increased production capacity in Quebec.

The Sherbrooke Chamber of Commerce told Global News that the move reflects what other businesses in the region have also been facing.


In a statement, the chamber said tariff uncertainty has had a “tangible impact” on manufacturing and agri-food businesses across Sherbrooke and the Eastern Townships.

“Even when companies are not directly targeted by tariffs, the instability creates an unpredictable business environment,” the chamber said, pointing to fluctuations in input costs, pressure on margins, logistical delays and increased caution among American partners.

The chamber said businesses are responding strategically.

“Many are working to diversify their export markets, further secure their supply chains, or bring certain operations back to Quebec to reduce their exposure to tariff risk,” the statement said.

“Predictability in trade rules is essential to enable companies to invest, hire, and plan for medium and long-term growth.”

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Café William, which has operated in Quebec for nearly 40 years, says the return of production to Sherbrooke marks a reversal of a strategy it adopted last year to navigate the trade dispute.

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Iconic Calgary cookhouse and dance hall will be relocating in 2027 | Globalnews.ca


The owners of Calgary’s legendary Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall have announced that the iconic country music hotspot will be relocating in 2027.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

The move necessitated by plans to redevelop the property, located at 9615 Macleod Trail South.

Ranchman’s, which opened 54 years ago, has been a launchpad for up-and-coming country music artists with Toby Keith, Shania Twain, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts and Billy Ray Cyrus among the musicians who have played there before they became famous.

It has also been a hotspot for country music dancing and Calgary Stampede rodeo celebrations, complete with a mechanical bull for patrons to test their “bull-bustin’” skills.


The iconic cookhouse and country bar on Macleod Trail in Calgary, has been a country music and cowboy culture hotspot for 54 years.

Global News

It has also been used as a set for scenes in some famous locally-shot movies, including Brokeback Mountain and Cool Runnings, the story of the Jamaican bobsled team who shot to stardom during the 1988 Winter Olympics held in Calgary.

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The property changed hands in 2017 when it was bought by a group of local business owners, following the death of Calgary businessman Harris Dvorkin, who co-owned Ranchmans for more than four decades.

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It was also forced to shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and put up for lease before reopening in 2022.


The iconic cookhouse and country bar on Macleod Trail in Calgary, also included a mechanical bull to allow patrons to test their “bullbustin” skills.

Global News

The current owners of the business said the move to a new location means this year’s Stampede celebrations will be the final ones hosted in the current building.

While they aren’t revealing where Ranchman’s will be moving to, they said they have signed a lease for an existing larger location nearby, which the cookhouse and dance hall will be moving to in 2027.

It will continue to operate at its existing location until the end of 2026.

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Click to play video: 'The history of Calgary’s Ranchman’s country bar in Alberta’s film and television industry'


The history of Calgary’s Ranchman’s country bar in Alberta’s film and television industry


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There were 3 unemployed Canadians for every vacant job in December: StatCan – National | Globalnews.ca


There were three unemployed Canadians for every job vacancy in December, according to a report from Statistics Canada released Thursday.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

That marks a slight increase from a year earlier as the job market tightens and competition grows amid the trade war and U.S. tariffs, which will hit the one-year mark in March.

There were 514,600 job vacancies in December 2025, which was down 3.8 per cent from a year earlier and the highest number of vacant positions since March of last year.

At the same time, the number of unemployed Canadians increased in December by 49,100, according to the Labour Force Survey released separately.

December’s unemployment rate was 6.8 per cent of Canada’s working age population, and up from 6.5 per cent in November.

A job vacancy can exist for a variety of reasons.

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Some businesses may be facing a skills gap or sector-specific shortage, where employers may not be able to find candidates with specific qualifications or skills for the roles that are open.

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Employee departures can also lead to job openings that are counted as vacancies in the month if they haven’t been filled yet. This can include people who may have resigned, retired or taken a temporary absence, such as maternity/paternity leave or for sickness.


Click to play video: 'Robert Half Hiring Complexities'


Robert Half Hiring Complexities


Job vacancies were up the most in accommodation and food services with 10,600 openings, while construction job openings increased by 6,000, manufacturing by 2,900 and educational services by 2,000.

Sectors where job vacancies fell in December, meaning vacant jobs were either filled or eliminated, included health care and social assistance with a 10,700 decline, while retail trade fell by 7,300 openings, and agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting fell by 1,700.

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The Bank of Canada released a report in December after surveying more than 500 Canadian hiring managers the month before about their outlook for the first six months of 2026. Nearly a third of companies, or 29 per cent, said they have open positions they haven’t been able to fill.

The report from the Bank of Canada said one of the challenges for hiring managers appeared to be a skills gap, with 49 per cent saying applicants lacked relevant experience, 47 per cent cited a lack of hard skills and 44 per cent said it was soft skills.

Thursday’s report from Statistics Canada also included a measure of what it calls “payroll employment,” or the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employer.

Unlike the Labour Force Survey, payroll employment does not include self-employed people, owners and partners of unincorporated businesses and professional practices and those employed in agriculture.

Payroll employment decreased in December by 0.2 per cent, or 35,400 from November, and down 0.2 per cent from a year earlier.

The decrease was mainly seen in manufacturing by 7,400, in wholesale trade by 6,300, and in transportation and warehousing by 5,900.


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Why travel experts say book your summer travel now | Globalnews.ca


If you’re planning to travel this summer, travel experts say book now for the best rates.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

“Airlines typically put flights in their system months out, around eleven and a half months out. You couldn’t book 12 months early, but people who take advantage of those time periods get the best rate,” said travel expert Claire Newell.

However, striking a great deal on a flight close to spring break may be a different story. Travel experts say last-minute deals are generally hard to find.

“It’s a huge misconception that you can get this last-minute deal, whether it be spring break or summer holiday,” personal finance and travel expert Barry Choi told Consumer Matters.

“The reality is all the airlines and hotels, cruise operators, they have so much data exactly when they’re going to sell out. If you’re trying to book that last-minute ticket, the odds are it’s going to be more expensive.”

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Choi says it all comes down to dynamic pricing based on supply and demand. Prices for airfare and hotels can change daily, even hourly.

“The price you saw in the morning might be different at night,” said Choi.

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Much of dynamic pricing is driven by artificial intelligence, says Choi. He says companies can track personal information to influence prices.

“Their predicted AI or human people can see what routes are going to sell out and even if they feel it’s not going to sell out, they can offer those promos earlier – they don’t have to wait until the last minute,” he added.


Click to play video: 'Consumer Matters: Canadians concerned about affordability this year'


Consumer Matters: Canadians concerned about affordability this year


Still, while booking early is ideal, being flexible can create options.

Newell said for those who haven’t booked a spring break trip, the people getting the best deal have flexibility.

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Typically, traveling between Tuesday and Thursday is less expensive than flying between Friday and Monday. Going through a travel agent can also help consumers find an affordable rate, especially when booking cruises.

“Large agencies will take out group space at deployment. It’s years before sailings actually occur and those rates can’t be beat,” said Newell. “It might seem old school because we have so many tools like AI and the web, but the reality is they (travel agents) still can often get a better deal that you won’t be able to get yourself.”


Click to play video: 'Passengers with airline complaints may be directed to CTA now'


Passengers with airline complaints may be directed to CTA now


Choi also recommends loyalty cards to offset travel costs and to consider airfare search sites to get notified when prices drop.

If you do have loyalty points saved, Newell says this might be the year to use them for certain trips, but plan early. “The best bang for your buck if you are looking – go for a long-haul flight, don’t use them on a short-haul flight,” she said.


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Mortgage debt soars while starter homes get out of reach for many Canadians | Globalnews.ca


Canadians took on more mortgage debt last year, with the total debt hovering close to $2 trillion in 2025, a report by Equifax Canada shows.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

The country is in the middle of a mortgage renewal wave, with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation estimating that at least 1.5 million households had already renewed their mortgage by the end of 2025 and a million more set to do so in 2026.

Mortgage renewals continued to dominate the mortgage market in the fourth quarter, with total mortgage debt reaching $1.95 trillion, the report by Equifax Canada found.

This is an increase of 2.6 per cent compared to the same time last year.

“Interest rate stabilization is appearing to have a positive impact on homeowners and the Canadian mortgage industry, however in hotter housing markets, affordability remains a concern,” said Rebecca Oakes, vice-president of advanced analytics at Equifax Canada.

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“High mortgage balance remained a significant barrier to entry, with average new loan amounts climbing 4.1 per cent to $363,778. This burden was even heavier on first-time homebuyers, who saw their average new loan size grow 5 per cent to reach $441,301,” the report said.

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Many households experienced “payment shock,” or a sudden increase in their monthly mortgage payments due to renewal. This prompted many to switch lenders, the report added.

“We continue to see rising missed payments on higher value mortgages in Ontario as post renewal payment levels prove too high for some consumers,” Oakes added.


Click to play video: 'Business Matters: More Canadians missing non-mortgage debt payments'


Business Matters: More Canadians missing non-mortgage debt payments


Starter homes getting costlier

In addition to higher mortgage costs, new homebuyers are also struggling with the cost of buying starter homes in today’s housing market, a recent report by the University of Ottawa’s Missing Middle Initiative showed.

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While incomes in Canada have risen 76 per cent since 2004, the price of a new home at the lower end of the market has risen by 265 per cent, the analysis said.

“Brand-new family-sized starter homes are over twice as expensive relative to income as they were 20 years ago. And unless governments get serious about bringing down the cost of homebuilding, it will take another 20 years to fix,” economist Mike Moffat said in the report.

The report added that even if home prices stopped rising entirely, it would take 25 years for the price-to-income ratio to reach the levels they were at in 2004.

Moffat said the government needs to not only work to reduce the cost of homebuilding, but also have “grown-up conversations” about radically altering Canada’s zoning laws to allow for more infill development.

“We need to examine the building code to identify areas where homes are unnecessarily expensive and to open up new housing types, as the starter home of 2034 may have to be different from that of 2004,” he said.


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Robberies during FB Marketplace, Kijiji sales in Edmonton prompt police warning – Edmonton | Globalnews.ca


More than a dozen robberies occurred when people were trying to sell items on Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji over the course of a month in Edmonton, leading to three arrests.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

The crimes are also prompting the Edmonton Police Service to issue a reminder on ways to stay safe when selling second-hand items.

In the last month, police said they’ve received approximately 15 reports of personal robberies during Kijiji and Facebook Marketplace sales of higher-priced items, such as cellphones and brand-name clothing.

In each case, police said a suspect posing as a buyer meets up with the seller and evaluates the item(s) for sale, before being joined by at least one accomplice.

Together, the suspects robbed the seller of the item — sometimes threatening the victim and, in one case, reportedly pulling out a firearm.

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In initial reports last month, the robberies occurred in the Duggan neighbourhood of southwest Edmonton.

However, in more recent weeks, reports have since come from multiple areas of the city.


Click to play video: 'Calgary couple bear-sprayed, beaten during attempted online sale on Marketplace'


Calgary couple bear-sprayed, beaten during attempted online sale on Marketplace


Police are now warning people to be vigilant when arranging online sales meetups.

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“We always advise caution when meeting up with strangers,” said Staff Sgt. Ivan Dascavich with the EPS Investigative Response Team.

“Meet in a safe, public location, such as the EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones, bring a friend, and above all, trust your instincts. If something feels off at any point, abandon the sale.”

The Edmonton Police Service has dedicated areas in four police station parking lots equipped with video cameras to record the exchange of online purchases.

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Police said the initiative originally began in 2020 as a pilot project at the southwest division  in Windermere but due to its overall success, the project has been expanded:

  • Northeast division station – 14203 50 Street
  • Southeast division station – 104 Youville Drive East
  • Southwest division station -1351 Windermere Way SW
  • West division station – 16505 100 Avenue NW

That said, while the areas are brightly lit and have video cameras, police cautioned the feeds are not monitored 24/7 and the stations are not open overnight, so people still need to be mindful of their personal safety.

After the spree of recent robberies, Edmonton police said they arrested three teenage boys on Jan. 31. They were each charged with theft under $5,000.

More information about online buying and selling safety and EPS Buy and Sell Exchange Zones is available on the EPS website.


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What to know if you’re stuck or have an upcoming flight to Puerto Vallarta – National | Globalnews.ca


  • Are you a Canadian in Puerto Vallarta right now? Reach out to us at shareyourstory@globalnews.ca with information on what you are experiencing and how we can get in touch with you.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

Canadian travellers impacted by violent conflicts in Mexico may be able to get a refund or modify their upcoming bookings as airlines begin to offer more flexibility.

Escalating tensions in and around Puerto Vallarta in the western Mexico state of Jalisco prompted a shelter in place order in the city over the weekend, leaving many travellers, including Canadians, locked in their hotel rooms.

Canada’s major air carriers say they are aware of the evolving situation and are notifying affected customers, some of whom described the city as a “war zone” on Sunday.

“People are mostly calm and just staying tight and sort of maybe a bit quieter than usual and trying to figure out what’s really going on,” said Jeff Willis, a Manitoba resident who is currently in Puerto Vallarta.

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“But behind our unit, you can see multiple, multiple areas of smoke and it looks like a war zone.”

According to the Mexican embassy in the U.S., the military operation on Sunday was conducted to achieve the arrest of Ruben “N,” also known as Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes or “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.

There are more than 26,000 Canadians on the ground in Mexico. The volatility comes as some universities are on reading weeks and as the spring travel season approaches, which typically sees an uptick in people flocking south.


If you are in Puerto Vallarta or a region experiencing unrest, Global Affairs Canada is urging Canadians to register with the government and to be in touch through SOS@international.gc.ca or +1 613 996 8885 for those currently outside of the country.

Air Canada and other carriers have cancelled flights into and out of Puerto Vallarta (PVR) airport scheduled for Feb. 23, with travel advisories expanding to surrounding regions in Mexico. Flights were also cancelled on Sunday.

“We are monitoring the situation closely, and are in contact with local Mexican authorities as well as Transport Canada,” said Air Canada in a statement on Sunday.

“Customers are advised not to attempt to go to the airport unless their flight which they have a confirmed booking for is shown as operating on aircanada.com. We will contact customers with new flight information as soon as the situation allows it.”

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WestJet, which includes applicable Sunwing Airlines flights, Air Transat and Porter Airlines, have all issued similar statements as of Monday.

Here’s what travellers need to know.


Click to play video: 'Vancouver resident stuck in Puerto Vallarta'


Vancouver resident stuck in Puerto Vallarta


What to do about a cancelled flight?

Travellers who have had their flights cancelled by an airline are almost always expected to receive a refund or alternative flight arrangements free of charge.

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The Canadian Transportation Agency, or CTA, states that an airline has minimum obligations when a flight is delayed or cancelled, regardless of the reasons.

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“When a flight is delayed or cancelled (including before the day of travel), an airline has minimum obligations to passengers that could include certain kinds of assistance (standards of treatment), rebooking or refunds, and up to $1,000 in compensation for inconvenience,” the CTA says on its website.

“Their obligations depend on whether the disruption is within the control of the airline, within the airline’s control but required for safety, or outside the airline’s control.”

The CTA adds that the airline must also offer customers accommodation if they are stranded overnight as the result of cancelled or delayed flights.

In these situations, accommodations must be free of charge to the passenger, be “reasonable” in relation to their location and the airline must provide transportation to and from those accommodations.

The Travel Health Insurance Association of Canada (THIA) issued a travel advisory to all Canadian travelers either in Mexico or heading to the country.

“Adhere to all government safety directives and contact travel suppliers to determine the soonest available options for alternative arrangements to return home once it’s safe to do so,” THIA said in a statement to Global News.

“Some travel insurance plans may provide benefits for delayed return due to covered reasons, so retain receipts for unexpected costs and contact your provider for coverage guidance.”

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THIA also alerted travelers either heading to Mexico or had a flight turned around that “most airlines and travel providers are providing alternative arrangements for impacted travelers. Flight interruption benefits may also provide protection under some travel insurance policies.”

Canadians with pre-booked trips in the coming days or weeks are advised to “continue monitoring Government of Canada travel advisories for the destination in Mexico where your trip is scheduled. Travel insurance plans may provide coverage for trip cancellation if a level 3 (yellow) or 4 (red) advisory against travel is issued.”

If travellers are already at their destination, like affected regions of Mexico, those customers may have already been contacted by their air carrier about their upcoming flights back home.

Late Sunday, Air Canada said that six flights had been cancelled and roughly 500 customers had been impacted.

“Due to the security situation in Puerto Vallarta,  Air Canada has temporarily suspended operations there today [Sunday],” said Air Canada in a written statement.

“We have cancelled three flights to and three flights from PVR to and from Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver, representing just under 500 customers in total each way.”


Click to play video: 'More than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada: Anand'


More than 26,000 Canadians in Mexico have registered with Global Affairs Canada: Anand


If travellers want to change their plans

Depending on the airline and type of booking, some customers may be able to modify or cancel their travel plans if they don’t want to wait to see how the situation in Mexico evolves.

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Air travel bookings may include flexibility options for changes or cancellations, which often come at a higher price premium, while most basic fare options mean customers have to pay a penalty to make any changes or request a refund.

But some airlines are making exceptions to these policies, given the circumstances, by waiving change fees and penalties to offer more flexibility for customers — even for the most basic fares.

Although all flights scheduled for Feb. 23 into and out of Puerto Vallarta have been cancelled by major Canadian airlines, all have confirmed through statements that there are some flexible change options for flights scheduled through Feb. 25.

In most cases, this means customers with flights scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday into and out of Puerto Vallarta and some other Mexican destinations will be able to modify their bookings without having to pay a penalty.

“A flexible policy is in place until the 25th, meaning customers can change their ticket without incurring change fees (a price difference may apply), regardless of the fare they purchased. They can do that on the website or the app,” said Air Canada in a statement sent to Global News Monday.

Similar flexibility options are being offered through Westjet, along with Sunwing Airlines, Air Transat and Porter Airlines, according to separate statements sent to Global News on Monday.

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“WestJet’s flexible/change policy has been put into effect for guests travelling to PVR, GDL and ZLO over the next two days. For guests currently in destination, WestJet and Sunwing are arranging extended stays so guests can comply with local official guidelines,” said WestJet in a written statement.

“Exceptional flexibility conditions are offered to travellers with a scheduled flight to Puerto Vallarta on Feb. 24 or 25. They may change their booking without penalty, or cancel their trip and receive a travel credit valid for 12 months from the original return date,” said Air Transat in a written statement.

“Puerto Vallarta operations are currently suspended due to airport restrictions. Two round-trip flights from Ottawa and Toronto were cancelled today. Passengers are currently being offered complimentary flight changes through Feb. 25,” said Porter Airlines in a written statement.

Sunwing also shared a statement, citing WestJet’s flight cancellations.

Sunwing is owned by WestJet.

“Change fees will be waived or you may request a refund to your original form of payment. Customers with imminent travel plans are encouraged to check the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport. Please contact our Sales Centre or Group Sales team … for flexible booking options if you are scheduled to travel to Puerto Vallarta between February 22 and 25,” said Sunwing Airlines in a statement.

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Are you a Canadian in Puerto Vallarta right now? Reach out to us at shareyourstory@globalnews.ca or using the contact form below to share your experience and how we can get in touch with you.


Trump keeps carveout under CUSMA in new 10 per cent global tariff – National | Globalnews.ca


The majority of Canadian exports will remain exempted from Donald Trump’s new 10 per cent global levy, as the U.S. president pivots after the Supreme Court dealt a blow to his plans to realign global trade.

AI-generated CRA tax scams increasing, cybersecurity experts warn  | Globalnews.ca

A fact sheet from the White House said the latest tariff will not hit goods compliant under the Canada-U.S.-Mexico agreement on trade, known as CUSMA.

The duty will also not be applied on top of sector-specific tariffs like steel, aluminum and automobiles.

Trump signed an executive order Friday to enact the worldwide tariff beginning on Tuesday using Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act. That duty can only stay in place for 150 days, unless Congress votes to extend it.

“Those members of the Supreme Court who voted against our very acceptable and proper method of TARIFFS should be ashamed of themselves,” Trump posted on social media.

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“Their decision was ridiculous but, now the adjustment process begins, and we will do everything possible to take in even more money than we were taking in before!”


Click to play video: 'Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s global tariffs'


Supreme Court strikes down Trump’s global tariffs


Earlier Friday, the U.S. Supreme Court concluded it was not legal for Trump to use the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, better known as IEEPA, for his “Liberation Day” tariffs and fentanyl-related duties on Canada, Mexico and China.

Trump declared an emergency at the northern border related to the flow of fentanyl in order to use IEEPA to hit Canada with 35 per cent tariffs. Those duties did not apply to goods compliant under CUSMA.

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In a 6-3 ruling, the court said the U.S. Constitution “very clearly” gives Congress power over taxes and tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote “the Framers did not vest any part of the taxing power in the Executive Branch.”

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The ruling did not say whether companies hammered by those tariffs should get refunds. As of December, federal data showed US$133 billion had been collected.

The court’s decision “reinforces Canada’s position that the IEEPA tariffs imposed by the United States are unjustified,” said Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc in a post on social media.

“While Canada has the best trade deal with the United States of any trading partner, we recognize that critical work lies ahead to support Canadian businesses and workers who remain affected by Section 232 tariffs on steel, aluminum and automotive sectors,” LeBlanc said.

During a 40-minute press conference Friday afternoon, Trump lashed out at the Supreme Court justices and said the decision was “incorrect.” Trump also denigrated Europe as too “woke” and took aim at Canada, saying the country ripped off the U.S. and stole car plants.


Click to play video: 'Trump ‘disagrees’ with Supreme Court ruling, imposes new 10% global tariff ‘effective immediately’'


Trump ‘disagrees’ with Supreme Court ruling, imposes new 10% global tariff ‘effective immediately’


Trump claimed that Canada said it hoped he would win at the Supreme Court “because if you don’t win you’ll actually be able to charge us, with additional work, higher tariffs.”

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LeBlanc spoke with U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer by phone recently. When asked for comment on Trump’s claim about Canada, LeBlanc’s office referred to his social media statement.

Greer told “Fox News” Friday that while the 10 per cent tariff is in place, the Trump administration will begin investigations of countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974.

That allows a president to take trade actions if the investigation finds a trading partner’s policies are unreasonable and discriminatory, but it would take months and include a period for public comment.

Friday’s ruling will have little effect on the Canadian economy since most of its exports to the U.S. are shielded by the CUSMA carveout, said CIBC chief economist Avery Shenfeld.

Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said it’s “not the last chapter of this never-ending story.” She cautioned that Canada should prepare for “new, blunter mechanisms to be used to reassert trade pressure.”

Trump’s tariffs and threats of annexation have rattled Canada ahead of a mandatory review of the CUSMA trilateral trade pact later this year. Trump has called the trade agreement “irrelevant” and said it may have served its purpose.


Click to play video: 'SCOTUS rules Trump’s tariffs overstepped his authority, but what does that mean for Canada?'


SCOTUS rules Trump’s tariffs overstepped his authority, but what does that mean for Canada?


A successful CUSMA review must see Trump’s separate sectoral tariffs dropped, said Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre in a social media post.

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Poilievre criticized Prime Minister Mark Carney for not securing a deal with the Trump administration.

“The truth is no one can control what President Trump will say or do and so we must instead focus on what we can control,” Poilievre said. “We must unblock our energy and minerals, unleash our economy, and bolster our military and self-reliance for leverage to fight for tariff-free trade with the U.S.”

The Supreme Court’s decision is a win for U.S. separation of powers and the American and Canadian economies, said George Mason University law professor Ilya Somin, who represented small businesses pushing back on the tariffs.

“But also for the rule of law,” Somin told The Canadian Press. “The rule of law is at odds with a system under which the president can impose any tariffs he wants on any country for any reason at any time.”

—With files from Craig Lord, Kyle Duggan and The Associated Press


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