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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...

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Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

 


This one-pan chicken and broccoli casserole is prepared in a skillet on the stovetop, then finished in the oven until it's browned, cheesy and bubbling. Serve with a crunchy green salad.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and cut into bite-size pieces
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  •  cup all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups reduced-fat milk
  • 3 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 2 9-ounce packages precooked brown rice
  • 1 ½ cups shredded reduced-fat sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 cup prepared crispy fried onions

Directions

  1. 1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

  2. 2.Heat oil in a large high-sided ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and chopped onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is no longer pink on the outside, about 7 minutes. Sprinkle the mixture with flour and cook, stirring occasionally, for 1 minute. Add milk to the pan and bring to a boil, stirring frequently. (Be careful, the pan will be very full.) Boil, stirring, for 1 minute.

  3. 3. Meanwhile, place broccoli and water in a microwave-safe container. Cover and microwave on High until the broccoli is tender, about 3 minutes. Drain.

  4. 4. Remove the pan from the heat and carefully stir in rice, cheese, dry mustard, garlic powder, salt, pepper and the broccoli. Sprinkle with crispy onions.

  5. 5. Bake the casserole until bubbling at the edges, about 10 minutes. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

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