Category: 3. Business

Minister Caitlin Cleveland issued the following statement today in response to the Government of Canada’s decision to provide Large Enterprise Tariff Loan (LETL) financing to Burgundy Diamond Mines Ltd., the operator of the Ekati Diamond Mine:

“Today’s news will come as a relief to many Northerners. Ekati is an important private-sector employer in the Northwest Territories, and this federal decision will help provide support at a difficult time for workers, their families, Northern contractors, and communities that depend on the mine and its supply chain.

“I want to thank the Government of Canada for recognizing the national importance of this industry and for providing its support. The decision to provide financing through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan program sends a clear signal that the North matters to Canada’s economy, and that Northern companies and Northern workers deserve the same level of urgency and support that industries in the South have received during moments of crisis.

“At the same time, this is not the end of the work. The diamond sector is facing serious headwinds, from volatile global markets to changing consumer demand to geopolitical tariffs that have driven down the value of rough stones and increased the cost of doing business. We do not assume that one financing decision alone will resolve those pressures. More work will be needed, and we will continue working with our partners to do everything possible to support and protect Northern workers and Northern businesses.

“In the face of mounting challenges, earlier this year our government took action to help stabilize the diamond sector and safeguard Northern jobs. We provided targeted relief to ease short-term financial pressures, reduced the mineral property tax rate, and returned Large Emitter Fund balances to the mines. We did this to protect Northern jobs, Northern businesses, and Indigenous partnerships built over decades. Our expectation has been consistent from the start: protect Northern employees, keep people working, and honour commitments to local suppliers.

“Our priority continues to be people. We will remain in close contact with the company, Indigenous governments, and affected contractors to make sure employees have clear information, access to supports, and stability wherever possible. For Northern businesses, we will continue offering advice and support through our regional offices, including programs that help companies maintain capacity, pivot where necessary, and pursue new opportunities.

“We are also focused on protecting the land and water. The Government of the Northwest Territories holds significant financial security for the Ekati site, and we will continue to ensure that regulatory obligations, environmental safeguards, and community expectations are met. Responsible resource development must remain the standard in the Northwest Territories.

“Looking ahead, the North’s resource economy is entering a new chapter. Our government’s focus is on creating stability today while building the next generation of opportunities, from critical mineral projects to strategic, nation-building infrastructure. We are working with Indigenous governments, industry partners, and the Government of Canada to advance projects like the Mackenzie Valley Highway, the Taltson Hydro Expansion, and the Arctic Economic and Security Corridor. These investments will create jobs, unlock new mineral projects, strengthen supply chains, and reinforce Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and security while positioning the Northwest Territories as a key contributor to the country’s economic and energy future.

“The GNWT will continue to stand behind the resource sector. We remain committed to supporting Northern workers and businesses, improving regulatory efficiency, and creating the conditions for responsible projects to move forward with confidence. This announcement is an important step, and we welcome it, but our work continues. The diamond industry has long strengthened communities, supported local businesses, and created opportunities across the North. We are grateful for what this industry continues to contribute, and for the people who make it work every day.

“To everyone working at Ekati, to the Northern businesses that have supported this mine for decades, and to the communities who have helped build and sustain this industry: you have built more than a project. You have built careers, capacity, and opportunity across the North. Our government will continue to stand with you as we navigate this moment and as we build what comes next.”

For media inquiries or to arrange an interview with Minister Cleveland, please contact:
Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

Issued: December 18, 2025

On October 7, 2025, Public Acts 17, 18, 19, and 20 of 2025 became law as part of a comprehensive road funding legislative package. Although these Public Acts (“PAs”) became effective on October 7, 2025, the key substantive changes made by this legislation that impact fuel taxes will take effect on January 1, 2026, as explained in this Notice. Except where otherwise provided, definitions applicable to this Notice may be found at the end of the Notice.

Prepaid Sales Tax on Motor Fuel

Under PA 17, the imposition of prepaid sales tax on motor fuel will cease on all motor fuel purchased on or after January 1, 2026. The prepaid sales tax on motor fuel will continue to apply to motor fuel purchased through December 31, 2025. Revenue Administrative Bulletin (“RAB”) 2025-14 sets forth the following prepayment rates per gallon for motor fuel for the December 2025 tax period: $0.152 (gasoline) and $0.191 (diesel fuel). With the expiration of the prepaid sales tax, RAB 2025-14 is the final prepaid sales tax RAB to be issued by Treasury. As explained below, this legislation does not preclude taxpayers (e.g., retailers and wholesalers) from claiming the credit on their 2025 sales tax returns for prepaid sales tax paid to vendors for motor fuel purchases made before January 1, 2026 even if the return (whether original or amended) is due on or after January 1, 2026 (e.g., the January 20, 2026 due date for the December 2025 return for monthly filers).

For gallons of motor fuel purchased in December 2025, retailers are to claim the credit on their December 2025 return for prepayments paid to their vendors (e.g., where they were charged the prepaid sales tax) on those gallons in the same manner as before the enactment of PA 17. Although wholesalers may charge their customers the prepaid sales tax for motor fuel sales made in December 2025 in the same manner as before the enactment of PA 17, wholesalers are encouraged to not charge the prepaid sales tax to their customers (e.g., retailers or other wholesalers) for fuel sold in December 2025 to recoup the prepaid sales tax they may have paid to their vendors.  Instead of charging the prepaid sales tax to their customers, wholesalers will be allowed to claim the credit on their December 2025 returns by using Form 5083 – Fuel Supplier and Wholesaler Prepaid Sales Tax Schedule for motor fuel sold in December 2025. To facilitate this process, Treasury is revising the instructions to Form 5083 and its tax return filing procedures to allow wholesalers to claim the credit for these December 2025 sales even though Form 5083 has historically been reserved only for motor fuel delivered to out-of-state locations upon which prepayments were made by the wholesaler to its vendors.

Note: To facilitate the complete phase-out of the prepaid sales tax, when claiming their prepaid credits for their December 2025 sales tax returns, taxpayers may include the gallons of motor fuel held in “dead storage” as of December 31, 2025, upon which prepayments were made to their vendors. For this purpose, “dead storage” has the same meaning as that term is defined in Section 2 of the Motor Fuel Tax Act (“MFTA”), MCL 207.1002, and as described further below in this Notice.

Sales and Use Tax on “Eligible Fuel”

Under PAs 17 and 19, the sale, use, storage, or consumption of “eligible fuel” is exempt from both sales tax and use tax beginning January 1, 2026. Therefore, taxpayers can exclude sales of “eligible fuel” from their gross proceeds for sales made on and after January 1, 2026.

International Fuel Tax Agreement (“IFTA”) – Use Tax

Under PA 18, the use tax imposed under 2004 PA 175 on motor fuel and alternative fuel used or consumed by an IFTA motor carrier will no longer be imposed on and after January 1, 2026. Accordingly, this use tax will continue to be imposed through the tax period ending December 31, 2025. Sales and use tax paid by an IFTA motor carrier for motor fuel or alternative fuel purchased before January 1, 2026, remain eligible for the 6% credit allowed under 2004 PA 175.

MFTA Motor Fuel and Alternative Fuel Taxes

Under PA 20, effective January 1, 2026, the MFTA tax rate applicable to motor fuel and alternative fuel is to be calculated by adjusting the $0.51 per gallon (or gallon equivalent) base rate established by PA 20 for inflation. The inflation adjusted MFTA rate effective January 1, 2026, is $0.524 per gallon (or gallon equivalent) on motor fuel and alternative fuel. Under PA 20, the MFTA rate effective January 1, 2027 will be based on the 2026 rate adjusted for inflation and this process (whereby the tax rate for each calendar year is based on the tax rate in effect in the immediately preceding calendar year and adjusted for inflation) will continue for each calendar year thereafter.

PA 20 also establishes a one-time floor stock/inventory tax for gasoline and undyed diesel fuel (exceeding certain gallon thresholds) that is held in storage by end users or held in storage for resale (including wholesalers with bulk storage) as of 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025. For those holding gasoline or undyed diesel fuel for resale (e.g., retailers and wholesalers), the threshold is “dead storage” (i.e., 200 gallons for a tank with a capacity of less than 10,000 gallons and 400 gallons for a tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons or more), and the floor stock/inventory tax is to be applied on a per tank (not tank compartment) basis. For end users, the threshold is 3,000 gallons. For example, previously taxed gasoline and undyed diesel subject to this floor stock/inventory tax will be subject to a tax of $0.214 per gallon [$0.524 (2026 rate) minus $0.31 (2025 rate) = $0.214]. These gallons must be reported to Treasury by February 20, 2026 on Form 4010 – Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Inventory Report with the applicable tax due. Gasoline and undyed diesel fuel purchased by a wholesaler prior to 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025 that has not been delivered to a bulk tank or sold to a retailer or end user (i.e., inventory in transit) is not subject to floor stock/inventory tax.

Note: Taxpayers that have received a Form 4010 from Treasury must file the completed form by February 20, 2026 even if they do not have taxable gallons to report. Failure to file Form 4010 (with the applicable tax payment due) will result in an assessment for tax, interest, and applicable penalty. If there are no taxable gallons to report, taxpayers must check the box in Part 1 of Form 4010. For purposes of this floor stock/inventory tax, gallons of gasoline or undyed diesel fuel that will be used for a nontaxable purpose under MFTA (e.g., non-highway use or in an implement of husbandry) may be excluded when calculating gallons to be reported.

IFTA Motor Fuel and Alternative Fuel Tax Rates

With PA 18’s elimination of the use tax imposed under 2004 PA 175, the tax rate imposed on motor fuel and alternative fuel used or consumed by IFTA motor carriers will be based solely on the rate imposed under the Motor Carrier Fuel Tax Act (“MCFTA”), which must be equal to the MFTA rate on those fuels. Therefore, the increased MFTA rate on motor fuel and alternative fuel established under PA 20 (that become effective January 1, 2026) will result in the same rate being applied to motor fuel and alternative fuel used or consumed by IFTA motor carriers for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2026. For example, for 2026, the rate imposed under the MCFTA will be $0.524 per gallon (or gallon equivalent).

Exemption Claims (Form 3372 or Equivalent)

In general, a consumer is not required to provide a Form 3372 – Michigan Sales and Use Tax Certificate of Exemption (or equivalent claim of exemption) to the retailer in order to purchase the eligible fuel exempt from sales tax or use tax under PAs 17 and 19. Likewise, a fuel retailer is not required to obtain a Form 3372 (or equivalent claim of exemption) when making sales of eligible fuel exempt from sales or use tax under PAs 17 and 19. For example, it would be impractical for a retailer operating a gas station retailer to require motorists to provide a Form 3372 each time they fill up their vehicles. See also Examples 6 and 9 below.

NREPA FEE

The phase out of the prepaid sales tax does not impact the $0.01 per gallon environmental protection regulatory fee (“Fee”) imposed under section 21508 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, MCL 324.21508, on “refined petroleum.” Therefore, even though the prepaid sales tax will no longer be reported to Treasury on Form 173 after the phase out, the Fee must continue to be reported on Form 173 as under current law. Form 173, including the instructions, for tax periods beginning on and after January 1, 2026, will be updated to reflect the phase-out of the prepaid sales tax.

Other Sales or Use Tax Exemptions

PAs 17 and 19 do not affect other exemptions available to taxpayers. For example, even if a fuel does not qualify as “eligible fuel,” the fuel may still be exempt (in whole or in part) from sales tax or use tax under the agricultural production and industrial processing exemptions, entity-based exemptions (e.g., nonprofit or governmental entities), and the 2% exemptions for residential use of natural or artificial gas, and home heating fuel under sections 4n of the GSTA and UTA. Likewise, if a fuel qualifies as “eligible fuel” under PAs 17 and 19 it will be exempt from sales tax and use tax even if it does not qualify under the specific conditions for another exemption or is excluded from exemption under the terms of another exemption provision.

Examples

Unless otherwise stated in an example, the following examples assume that the sale takes place on or after January 1, 2026. These examples also assume that another exemption (e.g., industrial processing, agricultural production, or entity-based) was not claimed by the purchaser.

Example 1: Fuel Supplier purchases 5,000 gallons of gasoline from a Michigan terminal at 11:15 p.m. on December 31, 2025 and the terminal operator collects the prepaid sales tax from Fuel Supplier. Fuel Supplier sells 2,000 gallons of that gasoline to Gas Station ABC at 11:45 p.m. on December 31, 2025 and 3,000 gallons of that gasoline to Gas Station XYZ at 1:30 a.m. on January 3, 2026. Fuel Supplier charges the prepaid sales tax on the 2,000 gallons sold to Gas Station ABC and does not charge prepaid sales tax on the 3,000 gallons sold to Gas Station XYZ. Both Gas Station ABC and Gas Station XYZ sell all 5,000 gallons of this gasoline in January 2026 to their retail consumers. The gasoline qualifies as “eligible fuel” and, because it was sold after December 31, 2025, Gas Station ABC can exclude the retail sale of the 2,000 gallons from its gross proceeds and Gas Station XYZ may exclude the retail sales of the 3,000 gallons from its gross proceeds when filing their January 2026 sales tax returns. In addition, Fuel Supplier may claim a prepayment credit for the 3,000 gallons it sold to Gas Station XYZ on its December 2025 sales tax return (using Form 5083). The credit would be equal to $0.152 per gallon based on RAB 2025-14.

Example 2: Same facts as Example 1, except that Fuel Supplier chooses not to charge the prepaid sales tax to Gas Station ABC on the 2,000 gallons of gasoline that it sold to Gas Station ABC to make itself whole. Fuel Supplier may claim the credit for the prepaid sales tax on the 2,000 gallons on its December 2025 sales tax return (using Form 5083). The credit would be equal to $0.152 per gallon based on RAB 2025-14.

Example 3: Fuel Supplier is an aviation fuel registrant under section 94 of the MFTA and purchases 1,000 gallons of aviation gasoline (Av Gas), identified on the shipping paper or invoice as “aviation fuel” as required by Section 94 of the MFTA, for which it was charged the $0.03 per gallon aviation fuel privilege tax imposed under Section 203 of the Aeronautics Code of the State of Michigan, MCL 259.203. Fuel Supplier sells this aviation fuel to a fixed based operator (FBO) at a Michigan airport who sells the fuel at retail. Fuel Supplier’s sale to the FBO is exempt from sales tax as a “sale for resale.” The retail sales by the FBO to its customers will not be exempt under PA 17 because aviation fuel is excluded from the definition of “eligible fuel.”

Example 4: Retailer sells gasoline at its marina for use in watercraft. The gasoline qualifies as “eligible fuel” under PA 17, so Retailer can exclude these sales from “gross proceeds” when it files its sales tax returns.

Example 5: ACME Hardware sells a 20lb tank filled with LPG to Customer. Because Customer intends to use the LPG for grilling, Customer does not have a basis to claim an exemption for motor vehicle use. This retail sale is not exempt from sales tax under PA 17 as the LPG is not being sold for “use” or to be “used” as defined in Section 151 of the MFTA, MCL 207.1151, for motor vehicle purposes.

Example 6: Utility sells natural gas (i.e., alternative fuel) to a waste hauler for use in powering its garbage truck fleet that runs on compressed natural gas. The natural gas is piped into the waste hauler’s compressed natural gas vehicle filling station and is separately metered by Utility, so it is segregated from the natural gas used to heat the waste haulers office. The natural gas sold for use in the vehicle filling station is exempt from sales tax under PA 17 as it is a retail sale of “eligible fuel.” Although not required, waste hauler could provide Utility with an exemption claim (e.g., Form 3372 and checking the “Other” box and noting on the line: “Exempt as Eligible Fuel under MCL 205.54gg.”).

Example 7: Retailer sells kerosene from a block pump at its gas station. Retailer may sell this kerosene exempt as “eligible fuel” under PA 17. If the kerosene is used for a taxable purpose (e.g., for home heating), the purchaser will owe use tax on the kerosene under the UTA as it will not qualify as “eligible fuel” under PA 19 for this use.

Example 8: Retailer sells 100-gallon drums of kerosene to ABC Widget Co for use in its boiler to heat its commercial building. Retailer knows that ABC Widget Co will use the kerosene solely for that purpose because Retailer was awarded a contract by ABC Widget Co to supply it with the kerosene and the contract was based on a request for proposal to be the exclusive supplier of kerosene to ABC Widget Co for this purpose. The kerosene sold to ABC Widget does not qualify as “eligible fuel” under PA 17 based on these facts, so Retailer must include these sales in its “gross proceeds” for sales tax purposes.

Example 9: Fuel Supplier sells 500 gallons of dyed diesel fuel to a farmer. Farmer does not claim an agricultural production exemption under MCL 205.54a(1)(e) at the time of sale and Fuel Supplier does not have a blanket exemption (e.g. Form 3372) on file for transactions with Farmer. Fuel Supplier does not fraudulently fail to collect the sales tax and does not solicit Farmer to make an improper exemption claim (e.g., does not tell farmer to pretend that the kerosene that Fuel Supplier knows is for home heating purposes will be used for the farmers tractor), the fuel sale is exempt from sales tax under PA 17 as the retail sale of “eligible fuel.” If it is discovered upon audit that Farmer used the kerosene for home heating purposes, the kerosene would not qualify as “eligible fuel” under PA 19 and Farmer would owe use tax on the dyed diesel fuel under the UTA.

Example 10: Farming Corp purchased 5,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel and 10,000 gallons of dyed diesel for use in its agricultural operations (i.e., for non-highway purposes) on December 16, 2025. As of 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2025, Farming Corp will still have 4,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel in Storage Tank 1 and 8,000 gallons of dyed diesel fuel in Storage Tank 2.  Farming Corp has received Form 4010 from Treasury. In general, only 1,000 gallons of undyed diesel fuel would be subject to reporting because these are the gallons which exceed the 3,000 gallon threshold for “dead storage” for end users.  However, because these gallons will be used for a nontaxable purpose under MFTA, Farming Corp may exclude these gallons from the reporting and tax calculation on Part 2 of Form 4010. The dyed diesel fuel is a nontaxable fuel under MFTA so the entire 8,000 gallons also need not be reported on Part 2 of Form 4010. Farming Corp must file Form 4010 even though it has no taxable gallons to report and no MFTA tax due, but Farming Corp would only need to complete Part 1 (including checking the box) and Part 3 of Form 4010.

Key Definitions

“Alternative fuel,” “alternative fuel dealer,” and “liquefied petroleum gas” mean those terms as defined in section 151 of the MFTA, MCL 207.1151.

“Eligible fuel” means motor fuel, alternative fuel, leaded racing fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas (if the liquefied petroleum gas is sold for “use” or is “used” as fuel for motor vehicles), except that “eligible fuel” does not include aviation fuel or motor fuel and alternative fuel used for residential, commercial, or industrial heating, ventilation, cooling (e.g., building utility systems) or otherwise exempt (from sales tax or use tax imposed at the 2% rate) under sections 4n of the General Sales Tax Act (“GSTA”), MCL 205.54n, or Use Tax Act (“UTA”), MCL 205.94n.

“Leaded racing fuel,” “motor fuel,” and “motor vehicle” mean those terms as defined in section 4 of the MFTA, MCL 207.1004.

“Use” or “Used” means any of the following for purposes of the inclusion of certain liquefied petroleum gas (“LPG”) as “eligible fuel”:

(i) Selling or delivering LPG, not otherwise subject to MFTA tax, either by placing it into a permanently attached fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle or exchanging or replacing of the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle.

(ii) Delivery of LPG into storage, devoted exclusively to the storage of LPG to be consumed in motor vehicles on Michigan public roads or highways.

(iii) Withdrawing LPG from the cargo tank of a truck, trailer or semi-trailer for the operation of a motor vehicle upon the public roads and highways of this state.

(iv) Placing or delivering LPG into the fuel supply tank of a motor vehicle by or through the operation of an alternative fuel filling station, exchanging or replacing an LPG supply tank of a motor vehicle with another LPG supply tank filled with LPG, or by any other means not involving the delivery, receipt, or purchase of LPG from an alternative fuel dealer or any other means not otherwise described in subparagraphs (i) to (iii).

Facebook is testing a system that charges users for sharing web links, in a move that could prove to be a further blow to news outlets and other publishers.

Meta, the social media platform’s owner, said it is carrying out a “limited test” in which those without a paid Meta Verified subscription, costing at least £9.99 a month, can only post two external links a month.

The test appears to involve a subset of Facebook pages and user profiles on Professional Mode, which includes features used by content creators to monetise their posts.

News organisations are not included in the test. However, the move could hit newsrooms and other media publishers as it may stop their users from sharing their content.

Publishers already saw a huge fall in online traffic after a Meta decision in 2023 to de-prioritise news content and switch to featuring more videos and viral, short-form content. Facebook traffic to news sites had been recovering this year, but was down 50% in a year in 2024, according to some measures.

The latest trial is part of a campaign to find ways of encouraging Facebook users to sign up to Meta Verified, which costs from £9.99 up to almost £400 per month per profile depending on the tier. It offers extra account features and security.

In screenshots shared by users, Facebook warns: “Starting 16 December, certain Facebook profiles without Meta Verified will be limited to sharing two organic [ie free] posts per month. Subscribe to Meta Verified to share more links on Facebook, plus get a verified badge and additional benefits.”

David Buttle, the founder of media consultancy DJB Strategies, said Meta had been “in a deliberate retreat from news for several years”.

“After withdrawing from publisher payments, and blocking news links entirely in Canada in response to regulation, it has made clear that news is no longer strategic,” he said.

“This latest experiment – which for now excludes publishers – reinforces a shift away from free distribution and towards monetising reach, as Meta looks to squeeze more value from legacy platforms.

“This may be linked to its costly and widely acknowledged misstep in the metaverse, while now doubling down on AI.”

A Meta spokesperson said: “This is a limited test to understand whether the ability to publish an increased volume of posts with links adds additional value for Meta Verified subscribers.”

In January, Meta said it would “take a more personalised approach to political content, so that people who want to see more of it in their feeds can”. That move appears to have led to more news content appearing once again, according to analysis by Press Gazette and Similarweb.

It found that one of the biggest winners was the Express, owned by Reach. Facebook grew as a source of its social traffic by 26% in a year. The site made up 75% of all social traffic to the Express in March.

Home » NBAA-BACE & Other Events » NBAA PDP Course: SMS for Business Aviation

This one-day course, held in partnership with the Northern California Business Aviation Association and hosted by Atlantic Aviation, will provide a thorough review of safety management systems (SMS), including benefits, objectives, risk management, safety assurance and promotion. Both FAA and ICAO guidance will be reviewed. By fully understanding SMS fundamentals, the participant will be able to contribute to the development of an SMS program for their business aviation department, or simply support an existing SMS. By adopting an SMS, business aviation departments will realize new efficiencies and greater safety, thereby producing benefits for the entire organization and furthering the business aviation industry.

Cost: $900 for NBAA members, $1045 for non-members

This course fulfills NBAA PDP Objective Operations Ops 6.

About the Facilitator:

Learn more about Dr. C. Daniel Prather, PhD, D.B.A., A.A.E., CAM, an internationally-known speaker, trainer, researcher, author and educator.

Agenda

Review the full course agenda that provides a thorough review of safety management systems.

Registration

Registration for this PDP course will be available by January 2026.

The National Anti-Scam Centre is urging Australians to check twice when shopping, gifting or travelling, as scammers know Australians will be caught up in the rush of the holiday season.  

The National Anti-Scam Centre expects criminals to try to capitalise on the holiday season through shopping and delivery scams; scratchie and prize scams; and travel, and gambling scams.

Take care when searching for Christmas gifts and Boxing Day sales bargains online and be on alert for fake retail sites designed to mimic well-known brands and fraudulent sellers on social media and online marketplaces. Knowing Australians will be sending and receiving gifts, scammers issue emails or texts about missed deliveries or unpaid fees, directing people to websites created to harvest card details.

We are seeing the resurgence of ‘hard copy’ scams. Financial losses to scratching scams have increased, with scammers exploiting cost of living pressures by promoting fake travel giveaways, instant prizes and low cost ‘wins’ that promise discounted holidays. Scammers send out fake scratch-off cards that promise a prize, on the condition that the ‘winner’ pays a fee. People have reported to Scamwatch of receiving these scams addressed to them through registered post.

“We strongly encourage people to stop, check and protect before paying for things or providing personal information,” ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said.

“Scammers know that people are busy, distracted and spending more money at this time of year. They use messages that look routine or urgent because they know people are trying to stay organised.”

_{Example of a scratchie scam sent to people through registered post.}

With many households preparing to drive interstate for the summer holidays, the National Anti-Scam Centre is also bracing for a possible increase in road toll scams. The messages in toll scams often state there is an overdue toll payment and push people to use a link that appears official.

As many Australians enjoy spare time over Christmas and the New Year, the National Anti-Scam Centre urges people to be wary of online gambling scams, known as ‘scambling’. This emerging scam type involves scammers creating unlicensed gambling apps and websites that appear legitimate. They allow people to deposit or transfer money but then refuse to pay out any ‘winnings’. In some cases, people may be unknowingly involved in money laundering.

Australians made 21,255 reports of online shopping scams to the National Anti-Scam Centre’s Scamwatch service between January and October 2025. During the same period, Scamwatch received 5,690 reports of parcel delivery scams, 884 toll scams, 2,514 travel, prizes and lottery scams, including 314 reports of scratchie scams, and 273 reports of gambling scams.

More people lose money to shopping scams than any other scam type with $9.4 million in reported losses between January and October this year. Of the reports to Scamwatch, the shopping products with the most reported losses were vehicles, shipping containers, concert and sporting tickets, pets, and clothes.  

In this same period, there were $88,440 reported losses to parcel delivery scams, $8,392 losses to road toll scams, $842,677 to travel, prize, and lottery scams – including $201,343 to scratchie scams – and $2 million in reported losses to online gambling scams.

“We ask people to please share scam prevention information and warnings with friends and family,” Ms Lowe said. 

“As scammers ramp up their efforts over the holiday season, we also encourage people to report to Scamwatch. Every report, no matter how small, helps us build our intelligence to disrupt criminal networks, track scam activity, and protect the community.”

The Scamwatch website has resources for people to provide support to loved ones who may be targeted by scammers, including red flag signs, conversation starters and the manipulation tactics deployed by scammers.

The National Anti-Scam Centre’s holiday season checklist:

• Treat unexpected messages with caution. Toll operators, courier services and government agencies will not demand urgent payment through a text message link.
• Visit the official website or app directly rather than clicking any link.
• For interstate travel, check your toll account through your provider’s verified app or website to confirm if anything is outstanding.
• For parcel deliveries, use tracking numbers only through the official website of the courier you are expecting a parcel from.
• For online shopping, buy only from trusted retailers and be cautious of products promoted with unusually low prices or limited-time social media ads.
• For scratching promotions, be wary of offers promising holidays, high-value prizes or guaranteed wins. Check whether the promotion is run by a ‘licensed lottery operator’ in your state.
• Don’t pay a fee to collect winnings or a prize. Legitimate lotteries don’t ask you to do this.
• If a friend or family member sends you a message about a prize on social media, check with them outside of social media that they sent it.
• Never share personal or financial information in response to an unsolicited message.
• Use multi-factor authentication on your accounts and ensure your device software is up to date.
• Online gambling providers must be licensed to operate in Australia. If an app or website doesn’t exist on the ACMA’s register of licensed interactive gambling providers, it’s an illegal operation.
• Australians are urged to independently check that an organisation or charity offering financial assistance is real and never provide personal identifying information through social media or email. To confirm you’re dealing with a real charity, check the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission charity register.

Learn how to Stop. Check. Protect. To stay safe from scams:

STOP. Always take a moment before giving your money or personal information to anyone. Scammers will create a sense of urgency to pressure you into acting quickly. Don’t rush to make decisions about money or sharing personal details.

What to do:

• Say no, hang up, or delete suspicious messages
• Take time to think before responding to unexpected requests
• Don’t let anyone pressure you into immediate action
• Trust your instincts if something feels wrong

CHECK. Make sure the person or organisation you’re dealing with is real. Scammers pretend to be from organisations you know and trust. Always verify who you’re really dealing with before taking any action.

What to do:

• Contact the person or organisation directly using phone numbers or email addresses you find on their official website or app
• Research investment opportunities or offers through official sources like ASIC
• Get a second opinion from family, friends, or professionals

PROTECT. Act quickly it something feels wrong. The sooner you act, the better you can protect yourself and others from scammers.

What to do:

• Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve lost money or shared financial details
• Contact IDCARE (www.idcare.org or call 1800 595 160) if you want support to recover – they can help you create a plan to the limit damage of scams
• Report to Scamwatch (www.scamwatch.gov.au)  to help protect others
• Report to police (www.cyber.gov.au)
• Change passwords and security details if you think they’ve been compromised
• Monitor your bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity
• Report the scam to the impersonated organisation and platform where the scam is happening
• Being scammed can feel overwhelming. Support is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636

December 18, 2025 | Ottawa, Ontario | Health Canada

Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced amendments to the regulations for precursor chemicals and drug manufacturing equipment under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. These actions further strengthen Canada’s controls of precursor chemicals and equipment that can be used in the production of illegal drugs.

Illegal synthetic drugs, like fentanyl and methamphetamine, have a devastating impact on public health and safety in Canada. The amendments announced today increase Health Canada’s oversight of the legal precursor industry and ensure that border enforcement have the tools they need to stop the illegal importation of drug manufacturing equipment, such as pill presses and encapsulators. These measures help disrupt illegal drug production by organized crime groups and help to protect Canadians.

This work supports Canada’s Border Plan by strengthening border security, which includes the detection and disruption of the illegal drug trade.