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The Fed Just Hiked Rates. Here's What It Means for Your Canadian Mortgage.

  The U.S. Federal Reserve raised its benchmark rate 25 basis points yesterday — the first hike in three years. The Bank of Canada hasn't moved. That gap is now the biggest story in Canadian personal finance. MoneySavings.ca  |  September 17, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief Yesterday afternoon, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 12-0 to raise the U.S. federal funds rate by a quarter point, pushing it to a target range of 3.75%–4.00%. It's the Fed's first rate hike since July 2023, and Chair Kevin Warsh made clear it almost certainly won't be the last. The Bank of Canada, by contrast, has held its overnight rate at 2.25% through seven straight meetings. It doesn't decide again until October 28. For Canadians with a mortgage, a renewal coming up, or a home equity line of credit, this matters more than it might look at first glance. 3.75–4.00% New U.S. Fed Rate 2.25% Bank of Canada Rate 1.625% Rate Gap (vs. 1.375% yesterday) ~71.5¢ Loonie (post-hike low) What th...

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Ukrainians Reflect on Two Years Since Russia’s Invasion

 

As the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches, the streets of Kyiv resonate with a mix of emotions. For Ukrainians, it’s a time to look back at the past two years of conflict, marked by resilience, loss, and hope.

Nearly six million Ukrainians were displaced from their homeland after Russia launched a new military invasion on February 24, 2022. Among them is Yuliia Siemak, a 24-year-old who fled her city of Mykolaiv. Her journey took her from Turkey to Montreal and Quebec City, finally settling in Ottawa. Siemak now works for a non-profit organization, connecting Ukrainian women with employment opportunities.

One poignant photo in Siemak’s camera roll captures her “brave but terrified cat” seeking refuge in a library basement during air raids in her region. It was taken just three days into the invasion. Siemak’s family also fled Mykolaiv, leaving behind their home and memories.

For Siemak, Ottawa has become a comforting political hub. Amid the city’s diverse community and exquisite cuisines, she finds solace. With her immediate family scattered across different places—her brother in Alberta, and her parents in Turkey and Germany—being in Ottawa allows her to be with her people.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress is organizing a rally on Parliament Hill this Saturday at 3 p.m. The event aims to grieve those who lost their lives since Russia’s full-scale invasion and honor the resilience of the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Canadians from coast to coast have been invited, and embassy representatives from Denmark, Poland, and Germany are expected to attend.

As we mark this solemn occasion, let us remember the strength and determination of the Ukrainian people. Despite the challenges, they stand united, unwavering in their pursuit of peace and justice.


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