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5 Things Every Canadian Should Know About Their Money Today

Published: April 26, 2026 · moneysavings.ca/canadian-money-brief The week is shaping up to be a busy one for Canadian wallets. From a federal budget update to record household debt, here are the five things you need to know today. 1. The Spring Economic Update Lands Monday Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne is set to table the Spring Economic Update 2026 on April 28 — just two days away. The government has promised to outline its plan to build "the strongest economy in the G7," with further actions to drive prosperity and support Canadians. Whether that means tax relief, new spending, or trade-war cushions, Canadians should pay close attention: what gets announced Monday could directly affect your tax bill, your mortgage rate outlook, and government benefit amounts. What to watch for: any changes to the GST/HST credit, housing incentives, or tariff-offset support for workers. 2. Your Household Debt Is Still Climbing Statistics Canada's latest data pa...

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Canadian Bank Fees: A Costly Affair

 

In a recent eye-opening report by North Economics, it was revealed that Canadians are paying over $7.7 billion annually in ‘excess’ bank fees. This staggering figure has sparked concern as the federal government is already taking steps to mitigate bank fees.

The Alberta-based consultancy firm’s analysis showed that the fees charged by Canada’s Big Five banks—RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Scotiabank—are significantly higher than those in the U.K. and Australia. The report highlights the disparity in charges for everyday banking services, including monthly account fees, non-sufficient funds, overdrafts, and ATM usage at other banks.

Alain de Bossart, the managing director of North Economics, compared the retail banking profits to deposits ratio of 2022 between Canadian and British banks. The findings suggest that the Big Five banks in Canada had an ‘excess’ income of $7.73 billion, which translates to roughly $250 per Canadian.

The Canadian Bankers Association responded by emphasizing the value and accessibility provided by the competitive banking system in Canada. They also mentioned that a significant percentage of Canadians do not pay any account fees.

This report has intensified the dialogue on bank fees in Canada, with many calling for a more consumer-friendly approach that aligns with global standards.

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