From the Bank of Canada's steady hand to a surge in housing starts and Ottawa's new financial crime-fighting agency — here are the five money stories every Canadian should have on their radar this morning. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight rate at 2.25% on April 29 and has signalled it intends to stay put for now. Governing Council is keeping a close eye on Middle East conflict spillover into energy prices, ongoing U.S. tariff uncertainty, and whether inflation — currently hovering just above the 2% target — becomes entrenched. Bond markets are currently pricing in roughly an 18% chance of a 25-basis-point cut by the July 15 announcement, making a move at the June 10 meeting unlikely. 💡 What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders can exhale — no surprise hikes on the horizon. But don't expect big rate relief either; the "lower-for-longer" window appears to be closing. 2 Mortgage...
France and Belgium Support ICC Request for Arrest Warrants of Israel and Hamas Leaders
In a significant development, France and Belgium have publicly backed the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) request for arrest warrants for leaders of Israel and Hamas. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and three Hamas leaders—Yehya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh—of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
While Netanyahu and Gallant are not currently facing imminent arrest, this announcement serves as a symbolic blow that deepens Israel’s isolation over the war in Gaza. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with at least 35,000 Palestinians losing their lives, and around 80% of the population—2.3 million Palestinians—being displaced within the territory.
The ICC’s decision to seek arrest warrants has drawn strong reactions. Netanyahu condemned it as “a moral outrage of historic proportions” while the court’s panel of three judges will now decide whether to issue the warrants and proceed with a case.
This development underscores the gravity of the situation and highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict. As the world watches, the ICC’s pursuit of justice remains a critical step in addressing alleged war crimes committed during the conflict.
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