What’s New in Canada in September 2026: Tariffs, Benefits, Class Actions, Events and Bonuses

Updated August 29, 2026

September is when Canada’s calendar fills up again. Summer travel winds down, students return to school, and a surprising number of financial, legal and administrative deadlines arrive at the same time.

This September brings new Canada-U.S. tariffs, a $150 Canada Disability Benefit supplement, important class-action claim dates, Ontario rental rule changes, major bank promotions and free cultural events across the country.

Here are the dates and opportunities worth adding to your calendar.

September 2026 at a glance

Canada’s new tariffs begin September 8

The biggest economic date this month is September 8. At 12:01 a.m., Canada will impose new counter-tariffs on certain products originating in the United States.

According to Finance Canada’s official announcement, the new rates will be 15%, 25% or 50%, depending on the product. The measures cover approximately $27.6 billion in imports from the United States.

The targeted sectors include:

• Steel and steel products
• Dairy products
• Appliances
• Agricultural equipment
• Pulp and paper
• Electronics
• Certain food, beauty and consumer products

The important detail is that this is not a 50% surcharge on every American product. The rate depends on the specific tariff classification, and the measures apply to goods originating in the United States. A product that is shipped through the United States is not automatically considered a U.S.-origin product.

The tariffs also do not apply to U.S. goods already in transit to Canada when the measures take effect. Businesses importing affected products should consult the complete official tariff list.

For consumers, prices may not change immediately on September 8. Retailers may still be selling existing inventory, and the final impact will depend on contracts, supply chains and how importers pass costs along. Still, if you are buying an appliance, electronics, food product or other major item, it is worth checking the country of origin and comparing Canadian alternatives.

Canooq’s guide to Canadian alternatives to American brands is a useful place to start.

Benefit payments to watch in September

September has several regular benefit payment dates, along with one new payment related to the Canada Disability Benefit.

The CRA’s official payment calendar lists the following September dates:

• September 10: Ontario Trillium Benefit
• September 17: Canada Disability Benefit
• September 18: Canada Child Benefit
• September 25: CPP and OAS payments

Your actual amount depends on your income, family situation and eligibility. The fastest way to confirm the amount and status of a payment is through your CRA or Service Canada account.

New $150 Canada Disability Benefit supplement

The Canada Disability Benefit has a new supplemental amount beginning in September 2026.

The Government of Canada says the supplement is a fixed $150 lump-sum payment intended to help offset the cost of obtaining the Disability Tax Credit. The regulatory changes take effect September 1.

You do not need to submit a separate application for the supplement. Eligibility is connected to approved Disability Tax Credit certificates that entitle the recipient to the Canada Disability Benefit. The government has not yet published the exact deposit date for the supplement, so it should not automatically be assumed that it will arrive with the regular September 17 payment.

The regular Canada Disability Benefit is paid on the third Thursday of each month. The official payment page also confirms that recipients must continue filing their tax returns and meeting the program’s eligibility requirements.

The Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit skips September

There is no September payment for the Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit. The next scheduled payment is October 5, 2026.

The benefit replaced the GST/HST credit for the July 2026 to June 2027 payment period. The amount is recalculated using your tax information, so filing your return remains important even if you had little or no income.

The CRA payment schedule lists July 3 and October 5 as the remaining 2026 payment dates.

September 8 deadline for older Disability Tax Credit forms

There is also a smaller administrative change that could affect people applying for the Disability Tax Credit.

Starting September 8, the CRA will no longer accept versions of Form T2201 from before 2023. The CRA recommends using the online application, which contains the current form and helps prevent missing information.

The full details are available in the CRA’s DTC application update.

Two class-action deadlines to put on your list

Class-action settlements are easy to miss because they often involve old purchases, investments or recalls. September is a good month to search your records before deadlines arrive.

Canooq’s Canadian class-action directory tracks claim deadlines, eligibility conditions and settlement information.

SouthGobi securities settlement

The SouthGobi class action has a claim deadline of September 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

The settlement applies to people and entities who acquired SouthGobi securities during the class period from March 30, 2011, to November 7, 2013, and continued to hold some or all of those securities on November 8, 2013.

The official settlement FAQ says claimants may need brokerage statements or other documents confirming the relevant transactions. If you do not submit a claim by the deadline, you will not receive compensation from the settlement.

This is the type of claim where searching old brokerage records could make a difference. If you held investments through a bank or brokerage during that period, look through old statements or contact the institution for transaction history.

Silk Canada and Great Value plant beverage settlement

A separate Canada-wide settlement concerns recalled Silk Canada and Great Value products involved in the July 8, 2024 recall.

The approved settlement is worth $7.5 million before deductions for eligible expenses and claims. The official legal notice says eligible class members may include people who purchased or consumed the recalled products, including those who experienced physical or psychological harm and certain family members or dependants.

The deadline is October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time.

That gives you September to locate receipts, medical records, recall information or other supporting documents. The amount paid to each approved claimant will depend on the applicable compensation category and the number of approved claims.

Bonuses and promotions worth checking

September is also a strong month for bank-account promotions and fintech contests. These offers can be valuable, but the conditions matter more than the headline number.

Canooq’s welcome-bonus directory brings together current Canadian promotions in one place.

Wealthsimple Monthly Millionaire

The September Monthly Millionaire contest runs from August 27 to September 30, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Weekly draws are scheduled for September 3, 10, 17 and 24, with the final September draw taking place on October 1.

The official contest terms list several ways to collect entries:

• Register and open or fund a Wealthsimple Chequing account with at least $1 to receive 500 entries
• Receive one entry for every $1 of net deposits
• Earn 100,000 entries when a new client uses your referral and funds at least $100 within 30 days
• Double eligible entries by setting up qualifying payroll or government direct deposit
• Spin the daily coin in the Wealthsimple app
• Use one of the no-purchase entry methods described in the contest rules

The prizes are weekly condo giveaways rather than guaranteed cash. Entries are not an investment return, and nobody should move money or change banks solely to chase a contest.

Wealthsimple 1% Match

The Wealthsimple 1% Match promotion is a different offer and is aimed at people transferring substantial investment balances.

The special registration period for the extended cap ends August 31, 2026, so this is a last-call item rather than a new September opportunity. Clients who registered during the special window may qualify for 1% on the first $2 million transferred, with a 0.2% match on eligible amounts above $2 million up to the special cap.

The promotion terms require transfers to be initiated within the applicable window. They also include a 730-day hold period and a withdrawal limit. This is not a suitable promotion for most people who are simply looking for a new chequing account.

TD’s $500 chequing-account offer

TD is offering $500 to eligible new customers who open a TD Unlimited Chequing Account or TD All-Inclusive Banking Plan by October 1, 2026.

To qualify, customers must complete two of the following activities by December 2:

• Receive a recurring direct deposit
• Set up a recurring pre-authorized debit
• Make an online bill payment of at least $50

TD advertises up to $750 in total value when additional savings and account offers are included. That figure is not all cash. The bank’s terms explain that the total includes the $500 chequing offer, a possible $150 bundle offer and estimated bonus interest.

The full TD offer also lists eligibility restrictions for existing or recent TD customers. Compare the account’s monthly fee and features before switching.

RBC iPad offer

RBC’s current offer gives eligible new customers an iPad with a listed value of $649 when they open an RBC Signature No Limit Banking or RBC VIP Banking account by November 2, 2026.

The customer must then complete at least two qualifying activities within 90 days, such as setting up payroll direct deposit, establishing two pre-authorized payments or making two eligible bill payments.

The accounts have monthly fees of $16.95 and $30 respectively. RBC also requires customers to keep the account open and maintain the qualifying activities until at least November 2, 2027.

The RBC offer page includes the full conditions. The iPad may be useful if you already need the account, but it is not automatically a good deal if the account fees and one-year commitment do not suit you.

Ontario rental rules change September 21

Ontario tenants and landlords have another important September date. Changes under Ontario Regulation 241/26 take effect on September 21.

For monthly and yearly tenancies, the minimum termination period on an N4 notice for non-payment of rent will move from 14 days to seven days.

The regulation also sets out a clearer definition of persistent late payment. A tenant may meet the specified threshold when rent is not paid within seven days of the due date on at least three occasions during a six-month period.

This is a rental-process change, not a province-wide rent increase. Tenants should keep proof of rent payments, respond quickly to notices and avoid relying on old templates or outdated online advice. Landlords should update forms and procedures before serving notices after September 21.

Because the consequences can be serious, use current information from the Landlord and Tenant Board or obtain legal advice for a specific dispute.

Back-to-school rental scams are active again

Students and newcomers searching for housing should also be alert to rental fraud.

On August 28, Waterloo Regional Police warned about a fake landlord scam in which a renter lost $2,400. The timing is a reminder that September’s housing rush creates ideal conditions for fraudsters who copy real listings, demand deposits quickly or claim they are unavailable to show the property.

Before sending money:

• View the unit or arrange an independent in-person verification
• Search the address and compare the listing with other advertisements
• Confirm the landlord or property manager through contact information you found independently
• Be cautious if the price is far below similar units
• Do not send money by cryptocurrency, gift card or an unusual payment method
• Save the listing, messages, receipts and payment records

The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre recommends contacting your financial institution, local police and the Centre if you have already lost money.

Events and free things to do across Canada

September is not only a month of deadlines. It is also one of the best times of year to get back into the city, attend a festival or plan a short Canadian trip before autumn prices and weather arrive.

Labour Day, September 7

Labour Day falls on Monday, September 7. Banks, government offices and some businesses will be closed, while transit, retail and restaurant schedules may be different.

It is also the last major long weekend of summer for many Canadians. If you are planning a short trip, Canooq’s Canadian travel guides can help you find day trips, scenic drives and weekend getaways.

Toronto International Film Festival, September 10 to 20

The 51st Toronto International Film Festival runs from September 10 to 20, 2026.

The official TIFF schedule includes screenings, industry events and special presentations across Toronto. Even if you do not attend a film, the festival changes hotel demand, restaurant availability and downtown crowds, so book early if you plan to visit the city during those dates.

Culture Days, September 18 to October 4

Culture Days returns from September 18 to October 4 with free and pay-what-you-may arts, culture and heritage events across Canada.

The national Culture Days website lists workshops, exhibitions, performances and hands-on activities by province and community. It is one of the easiest ways to find an inexpensive weekend activity, especially if you are new to a city or looking for something beyond the usual tourist attractions.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day.

The day recognizes the experiences of residential school survivors, their families and communities. Events vary by location, and the federal statutory holiday does not automatically mean every worker in every province has the day off. The Government of Canada’s information page provides resources for learning and finding community activities.

A practical September checklist

To turn this month’s news into useful action, start with the dates that affect you directly.

• Check your CRA and Service Canada accounts for September payments.
• If you may qualify for the Canada Disability Benefit, watch for information about the new $150 supplement.
• Submit the SouthGobi claim before September 15 if you meet the eligibility conditions.
• Gather Silk or Great Value recall documents before the October 16 deadline.
• Review bank promotions carefully, including fees, deadlines and account-holding requirements.
• If you rent in Ontario, read the updated rules before September 21.
• If you are apartment hunting, verify the landlord before paying any deposit.
• Search local Culture Days events and plan around TIFF or other major festivals.
• Add the dates to the Canooq Canada calendar, where benefit dates, holidays, deadlines and events are kept together.

September rewards people who pay attention early. A few minutes spent checking dates, saving documents and reading the conditions can prevent a missed payment, a lost claim or an expensive mistake.

Sources checked

• Finance Canada tariff announcement
• CRA benefit payment dates
• Canada Disability Benefit program
• CRA Disability Tax Credit update
• SouthGobi settlement FAQ
• Silk Canada and Great Value settlement notice
• Wealthsimple Monthly Millionaire terms
• TD account offer
• RBC iPad offer
• Ontario Regulation 241/26
• TIFF 2026
• Culture Days 2026
• National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
• Waterloo Regional Police rental scam warning

Disclosure: Canooq may earn a commission or referral fee from some links in this article. This does not change the price you pay.