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How Canadian Savers Can Protect Their Money in 2026

As 2026 unfolds, Canadian savers are navigating a financial landscape shaped by falling interest rates, persistent living‑cost pressures, and evolving tax‑advantaged opportunities. Experts say this is the year to be intentional, strategic, and proactive with your money. Reevaluate Your Savings Accounts Interest rates have been trending downward, and many high‑interest savings accounts have quietly reduced their payouts. GIC rates remain more stable, but they too are expected to soften as rate cuts continue. What to do now: Check the current rate on every savings account you hold Compare alternatives and switch if your rate has dropped significantly Consider laddering GICs to lock in competitive yields while they’re still available Make the Most of Your TFSA The Tax‑Free Savings Account remains one of the most powerful tools for Canadians. With annual contribution room increasing over time, it’s an ideal place to shelter both short‑term savings and long‑term investments. Why...
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Ebrahim Raisi: From Cleric to President

                                     Ebrahim Raisi

Ebrahim Raisi, born on December 14, 1960, in Mashhad, Iran, is a prominent Iranian cleric, prosecutor, and politician. His journey from religious studies to the highest office in the country has been marked by significant events and ideological shifts.

Early Life and Education

Raisi grew up in Mashhad, a crucial religious center for Twelver Shiʿah Muslims due to its association with the burial place of the eighth imam, ʿAlī al-Riḍā. Born during a period of land reform (1960–63) and the White Revolution development program (1963–79), Raisi witnessed Iran’s transformation in power distribution and wealth. Despite rapid modernization, the clerical establishment, including Mashhad’s influential clerics, felt disenfranchised by the reforms of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi.

Raisi received a religious education and studied under prominent clerics in Qom, the intellectual hub of Shiʿi Islam. During this time, Iranians were dissatisfied with the Shah’s regime, and many seminarians, including Raisi, embraced the revolutionary ideals of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Khomeini’s vision of “velāyat-e faqīh” (guardianship of the jurist) emphasized clerical oversight of government policy and administration.

Rise to Power

Raisi actively participated in the events of 1978–79 that led to the shah’s exile and the establishment of an Islamic Republic based on Khomeini’s principles. His commitment to Khomeini’s vision shaped his political trajectory.

  • Head of the Judiciary (2019–21): Raisi held this position, consolidating his influence within the Iranian legal system.
  • President (2021– ): In June 2021, Raisi was elected as Iran’s president. He positioned himself as a staunch anti-corruption advocate and promised solutions to the country’s economic challenges. His victory came after conservative and moderate rivals were disqualified, solidifying hardline control over all branches of power.

Key Policies and Challenges

  1. Nuclear Deal Negotiations: Raisi took a tough stance in negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. He sought broad relief from US sanctions while offering modest curbs on Iran’s nuclear program.
  2. Domestic Policies: Raisi ordered stricter enforcement of Iran’s “hijab and chastity law,” leading to protests. His hardline approach tested the clerical rulers’ authority.
  3. Supreme Leader Succession: Raisi’s rise positions him as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, whose final say shapes major policies in Iran.

As Ebrahim Raisi assumes the presidency, his journey from a seminarian in Qom to the highest office reflects the complex interplay of religion, politics, and power in Iran. His leadership will undoubtedly shape the nation’s trajectory in the years to come. 

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