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Ottawa Wants to Raise Your Deposit Insurance to $250,000: What Changes (and What Doesn’t)

  For more than 20 years, the federal guarantee on your savings has been stuck at $100,000. In Thursday's budget, Ottawa proposed to raise it to $250,000. Here is what would change, what wouldn't, and why you shouldn't move a dollar yet. Today (unchanged since 2005) $100,000 per deposit category Proposed in Budget 2026 $250,000 per deposit category What Budget 2026 actually proposes The Canada Deposit Insurance Corporation (CDIC) protects your deposits if a member bank fails. The budget proposes amendments to the CDIC Act that would do four things: Raise the limit from $100,000 to $250,000 per deposit category, the first increase in more than two decades. Remove the limit entirely for eligible deposits held in registered and tax-free accounts. Today, the limit is $100,000 per account type at each institution. Add temporary high-balance coverage for life events such as selling a home. Require a review of the deposit insurance framework every 10 years. It isn't law yet. ...

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Global Energy-Related CO2 Emissions Reach Unprecedented Levels in 2023

 

In a concerning development, global energy-related emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) surged to a record high last year. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reported that these emissions rose by 410 million tonnes, representing a 1.1% increase, bringing the total to 37.4 billion tonnes.

Several factors contributed to this alarming trend:

  1. Fossil Fuel Use in Drought-Affected Regions: Countries grappling with droughts faced challenges in hydropower production. As a result, they turned to fossil fuels, exacerbating emissions.
  2. China’s Economic Reopening: China’s economy rebounded, leading to increased energy demand and subsequent emissions.
  3. Renewables and Electric Vehicles: While clean technologies like wind, solar, and electric vehicles helped curb emissions growth, other factors offset these gains.

Scientists emphasize that steep cuts in CO2 emissions are essential to meet global climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. Without rapid reductions, we risk runaway climate change. The challenge lies in swiftly transitioning away from fossil fuels and embracing sustainable alternatives.

Regional Trends

  • United States: Energy-related emissions fell by 4.1%, primarily driven by reductions in the electricity sector.
  • European Union: Emissions dropped by nearly nine per cent due to increased renewable power generation and decreased coal and gas power.
  • China: Despite contributing significantly to solar, wind, and electric vehicle additions, China’s emissions rose by 5.2% as it recovered from COVID-19-related lockdowns.

Globally, electric vehicles accounted for one in five new car sales in 2023, reaching 14 million—a remarkable 35% increase compared to 2022.

The urgency to address this crisis cannot be overstated. Our collective efforts must focus on sustainable energy sources and innovative solutions to combat climate change. 

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