Know This: Edition #7

In this edition

• Carney vs. Trump: What’s happening right now

• Wildfires: What you need to know

• The real cost of back to school in 2025

• Catherine O’Hara’s big TIFF moment

• Overnight cinnamon sticky buns

A Word from the ParentsCanada Team

Summer may be winding down, but if your family calendar is like those of our team at ParentsCanada, it’s still jam-packed with reminders, sticky notes and last-minute plans. Between impromptu family barbecues, last-chance beach days and the hunt for back-to-school shoes, things are anything but slow. We know how hard it can be to keep up with news that affects your daily life when you’re managing so much. That’s why, once a month, we put together the stories that really matter to Canadian families, so you can focus on your own personal juggling act (we get it!) and still feel informed.

Let’s dive in.

Jane Bradley
President, ParentsCanada

THE BIG STORY

Carney vs. Trump on Tariff Chaos

What's Happening

If you’re like us, you can’t help reading/watching/scrolling the news and absorbing all the worrisome things that are happening in the U.S. (and around the world, but we digress). Canada finds itself next to a neighbour that feels unpredictable, with heated politics and wild claims making regular headlines.

On the tariffs front (always an ongoing story), the latest U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports took effect August 1, raising rates on some goods from 25 percent to 35 percent, with some categories as high as 50 percent. The good news is that roughly 94 percent of what we sell to the US, like food and most manufactured goods, is already tariff-free because of the Canada-United States-Mexico Trade Agreement (CUSMA), but we’re also removing the remaining retaliatory on goods from the U.S. that are covered by CUSMA by September 1. Only steel and a few other items will still be taking a hit after this point.

What You Need to Know

Contrary to the dramatic headlines, experts say most of it is just noise with little real impact on Canadian families for now. That said, Canadians are taking it seriously: Fewer Canucks are heading to the States (U.S. travel dropped about 37 percent compared to last year) and the “Buy Canadian” movement is still remaining constant across the country.

Why This Matters to Families

You might have been worried about back-to-school shopping in the midst of the trade war (it’s already an expensive time of year) but most of the essentials you’ll be buying aren’t targeted by tariffs. That said, you may still see higher prices if you are buying brand names, electronics or goods with parts shipped from the U.S. This may be the year to shop around for options if you need to make one of these purchases, to see if there is a Canadian alternative.

THE EXPLAINER

Wildfires: Where They Are, What’s Next and How Families Are Coping

What’s Happening

Wildfires have burned across Canada this summer, with extensive damage in much of the country. Areas like Flin Flon, Man., Denare Beach, Sask., and parts of Newfoundland and Labrador faced major evacuations. Even places without flames got hit with days of thick, smoky air. Air quality warnings became the norm from coast to coast.

Experts say climate change is the main driver. Canada is warming twice as fast as the global average, making summers hotter and drier. Longer fire seasons, a build-up of dry forests and more lightning storms mean wildfires will likely remain a summer reality (and may even get worse). The smoke travelled thousands of kilometres this year, even crossing the Atlantic to cloud parts of Europe.

What You Need to Know

Smoky air does more than spoil outdoor fun. Doctors say kids with asthma and allergies face greater risk during wildfire season. Poor air quality can lead to more asthma attacks and potentially increase trips to the emergency room. Health experts recommend using air purifiers, checking air quality regularly, planning indoor play on smoky days and talking with your child’s doctor if you need an updated asthma plan.

Why It Matters to Families

Families in communities on the edges of wildfires have been managing uncertainty and intense stress for months, carefully monitoring and making decisions to keep themselves safe. But these days, wildfires also affect families far from the front lines, too. It means planning for interruptions, missed school, days spent inside and thinking about long-term health. Talking to kids about climate change and pushing for more environmental action are more important than ever for every Canadian family.

Looking for a way to help? The Canadian Red Cross has a number of wildfire-related campaigns running at the moment. Check out give.redcross.ca to learn more.

THE HOT BUTTON

The Real Cost of Back-to-School in 2025

What’s Happening

Back-to-school shopping is stretching Canadian wallets. The average parent plans to spend around $700 per child this fall, up as much as 12 percent over last year. Nearly two-thirds of parents in surveys conducted by NerdWallet and the Retail Council of Canada say these costs put a serious strain on the family budget. In Ontario, 69 percent of families reported costs were higher this year, and 21 percent call them “much higher.” A growing number of families, 44 percent, admit they may need to take on debt just to cover the basics for September.

What You Need to Know

If you are worried about what school supplies will cost, support is out there. Nationally, groups like the United Way run backpack and school supply drives in almost every big city. In Toronto, the Toronto Cares Initiative collects and gives out new supplies each August. In British Columbia, the Backpack Buddies program supports kids throughout the province. The NEOFACS Backpack Drive serves families in Northeastern Ontario, while the Kids in Need Foundation helps children from Manitoba to the Maritimes. Many local food banks and school boards also collect or hand out supplies. For those able to help, these same groups always need new backpacks, crayons, lunch kits and more for families right in your community.

Why Are School Supplies So Expensive?

Part of the increase is from global inflation, higher costs for manufacturing, shipping and storing goods after years of pandemic disruptions. Add on new tariffs for specialty or U.S.-made items, higher demand and a weaker Canadian dollar and prices keep climbing. Retailers also say more families are shopping later, which leads to fewer sales and more stress.

Why It Matters to Families

With prices high and stress piling up, charities make a real difference, helping every child walk into class ready to learn. Reaching out if you need a helping hand or donating if you’re able ensures the whole community starts the year off stronger.

THE CHATTER

Catherine O’Hara’s Big TIFF Moment

What’s Happening

Catherine O’Hara, one of Canada’s most celebrated actors and comedians, is being honoured with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 7. At age 71, O’Hara is known everywhere for her work in movies like Home Alone and Beetlejuice, and as Moira Rose in Schitt’s Creek—a role she started when she was 60 years old. TIFF gives the Career Achievement Award to just one Canadian artist every year as part of the Tribute Awards gala. This year is TIFF’s 50th anniversary festival, and with stars like Idris Elba and Channing Tatum being honoured alongside O’Hara.

Why It Matters to Families

O’Hara’s story shows that Canadian talent can thrive anywhere, from Second City in Toronto to comedy stages in Hollywood. Her achievements celebrate what is possible for creative Canadians everywhere and are a clear reminder for parents and kids alike that you do not have to go far from home to do something exceptional.

P.S. Bet you thought we were going to cover Taylor’s big engagement news, but we figured a great Canadian success story needed more airtime!

THE TREAT

Overnight Cinnamon Sticky Buns

You definitely need one more slow morning with a sweet treat and a cup of coffee. Make these this weekend. You won’t be disappointed.

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This month’s newsletter was written by Jane Bradley, edited by Katie Dupuis and designed by Tinker Solution.