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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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Liberals Unveil Ambitious Plan to Address Housing Crisis: 3.9 Million Homes by 2031

 

The federal Liberals have stepped up their commitment to tackle the housing crisis head-on. Their comprehensive plan aims to address a spectrum of housing affordability challenges faced by Canadians, from the elusive dream of homeownership to soaring rental costs and homelessness. Here are the key highlights of their ambitious strategy:

  1. Tax Incentives for Homebuilding:

    • The federal government plans to increase the capital cost allowance rate for apartments from 4% to 10%. This move will empower builders to write off more expenses on their taxes.
    • Additionally, the GST exemption on rentals will extend to student residences built by public universities, colleges, and school authorities.

  2. Funding to Combat Homelessness:

    • Communities across the country grapple with encampments and limited shelter spaces. To address this, the Liberal government is allocating an additional $1 billion over four years to the Reaching Homes program—a federal homelessness initiative.
    • An extra $250 million is earmarked to help communities transition people from encampments into stable housing.

  3. Historic Shift in Land Use:

    • The Liberals pledge to revolutionize how public lands are utilized for housing. Rather than selling off land, they aim to make more of it available for home construction through leasing arrangements.

  4. A Call to Action:

    • Ottawa emphasizes that solving the national housing crisis requires collaboration among all levels of government. Housing Minister Sean Fraser underscores the need for joint efforts and incentives to achieve this critical task.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aptly describes this plan as “a scale not seen in generations.” With nearly 3.9 million homes envisioned by 2031, the Liberals are committed to reshaping Canada’s housing landscape and ensuring that every Canadian has a place to call home.

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