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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Holds at 2.25%, Oil Spikes, CCB Boost

  Wednesday, July 15, 2026 Good morning. The Bank of Canada made its call this morning, oil is on the move again because of the Middle East, and a bigger government deposit is about to hit millions of accounts. Here's what actually matters for your wallet today. 1. The Bank of Canada held its key rate at 2.25% As widely expected, the Bank of Canada left its overnight rate unchanged at 2.25% this morning, alongside a fresh Monetary Policy Report. It's the sixth straight hold since the easing cycle paused last fall. The Bank says it's looking through the near-term inflation bump caused by higher oil prices from the conflict in the Middle East, but has made clear it won't let that become a persistent trend. What it means for you: Prime rate stays at 4.45%. If you're on a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC, your payment doesn't change this month. Fixed-rate shoppers should watch bond yields, not the BoC rate, for the next move in posted rates. 2. Oil prices are spik...
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Thailand’s Senate Passes Landmark Bill to Legalize Same-Sex Marriage

 

Thailand has taken a significant step towards marriage equality by passing a groundbreaking bill in the Senate. The legislation, which recognizes same-sex marriage, makes Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to do so. Here are the key points:

  1. Approval in the Senate:

    • The upper house approved the measure with 130 votes in favor out of 152 members present, with only four against and 18 abstentions.
    • This final reading paves the way for Thailand to officially recognize same-sex marriages.

  2. Next Steps:

    • The bill now awaits the pro forma endorsement of King Maha Vajiralongkorn, which is widely expected.
    • Once published in the royal gazette, the law will take effect within 120 days.

  3. Implications:

    • Thailand will become the third Asian jurisdiction, after Nepal and Taiwan, to legalize gay marriage.
    • The legislation replaces gender-specific terms like “men,” “women,” “husbands,” and “wives” with gender-neutral language.
    • LGBTQ couples will gain inheritance and adoption rights equal to those of heterosexual marriages.

  4. Celebration and Progress:

    • Politicians and activists celebrated in the National Assembly, waving rainbow flags and expressing solidarity with the LGBTQ community.
    • Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, a vocal supporter of LGBTQ rights, will host celebrations at his official residence.

  5. Historic Moment:

    • Plaifah Kyoka Shodladd, a member of the parliamentary committee on same-sex marriage, called it a historic day: “Today, love triumphed over prejudice.”
    • Despite Thailand’s vibrant LGBTQ culture, activists have long fought against conservative attitudes.

In summary, Thailand’s Senate has taken a monumental step forward, recognizing love and equality for all. Soon, same-sex couples in Thailand will have the legal recognition they deserve. 

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