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Bond Yields Are Nearing 5%: What It Means for Your Mortgage and HELOC

  Published September 11, 2026 Something is happening in the bond market this week that matters more to your wallet than the daily swings in the TSX. The yield on the 10-year US Treasury note closed in on 5% on Friday — 4.95% , its highest level since 2023 and approaching territory not seen since 2007 — after climbing 18 basis points in a single week. Canadian bond yields have followed the same path: the 10-year Government of Canada bond hit its highest level in over two years earlier this month, and the 5-year bond — the one that actually sets your fixed mortgage rate — has drifted up to roughly 3.41%, about a quarter-point higher than it was a month ago. If you're renewing a mortgage, shopping for a HELOC, or just trying to figure out whether now is the moment to lock in, here's what's actually going on and what it means for your payments. Why bond yields, not the Bank of Canada, are driving fixed rates right now It's a common mix-up: people watch the Bank of Canada...
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Tax Season 2024: Key Changes and Deadlines for Canadian Taxpayers

 

As the calendar flips to another year, so does the start of the tax season in Canada. Here’s what you need to know about filing your income tax returns and navigating the changes for 2024:

  1. Filing Deadline:

    • Most Canadians must file their tax return by April 30. This date also serves as the deadline for making payments if you owe money to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
    • Self-employed individuals, along with their spouses or common-law partners, have a slightly extended deadline. They can file by June 15, but any money owed to the CRA must still be paid by the original April 30 deadline to avoid interest charges.

  2. Home Office Expenses:

    • The temporary flat rate method for claiming home office expenses (such as rent, electricity, internet, and office supplies) is no longer available. From 2023 onward, employees must follow a more detailed method to make these claims.
    • Previously, eligible employees could claim a flat rate of $2 for each day worked from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, up to an annual maximum of $400 in 2020 and $500 in 2021 and 2022.

  3. Canada Workers Benefit (CWB):

    • You no longer need to apply for advance payments of the CWB when filing your tax return. These payments are now issued automatically to those who were eligible in the previous tax year.

  4. First Home Savings Account (FHSA):

    • The FHSA program aims to help Canadians save for their first home. Contributions to an FHSA are deductible, and the income earned within the account is not taxable.
    • Qualifying withdrawals from an FHSA to purchase a first home are also tax-free. Prospective homebuyers can start saving for up to 15 years, with an annual deposit cap of $8,000 and a lifetime contribution limit of $40,000.

  5. Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit:

    • This refundable credit assists with the cost of renovations that create a secondary unit for a senior or an adult eligible for the disability tax credit.

Remember, staying informed about these changes ensures a smoother tax-filing experience. Whether you’re a seasoned taxpayer or a first-time filer, take advantage of the available credits and deductions to maximize your returns.

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