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Bank of Canada Rate Decision Tomorrow: What Every Canadian Needs to Know Before June 10

Current Rate 2.25% Held since Oct 2025 Expected Decision HOLD 34/34 economists Announcement 9:45 AM Wed, June 10 (ET) Prime Rate 4.45% Most major lenders On Wednesday morning, June 10, the Bank of Canada will announce its interest rate decision at 9:45 AM ET — and for Canadians with a mortgage, a variable-rate loan, or a renewal coming up, the decision is just two days away. Governor Tiff Macklem will follow with a press conference at 10:30 AM. The short answer: expect no change. But the full picture is considerably more complicated — and the Bank's tone tomorrow could signal whether rate hikes are quietly creeping back onto the table. The Consensus: A Hold, Full Stop The economist community is remarkably united heading into this decision. In a Reuters poll conducted June 2–5, all 34 economists surveyed predicted the Bank would leave its overnight rate at 2.25%. More than 80% said it would stay there for the rest of 2026. "Under normal circumstances, today's sagging econom...

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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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