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Why Interest Rates Matter for Canadians

Interest rates are the single most powerful lever in Canada's economy.  When the Bank of Canada adjusts its policy rate, the effects reach every household—from the cost of carrying a mortgage to the return on a savings account. With rates currently at 2.25% and significant uncertainty ahead, understanding how rates work has never been more important for your finances. What Is the Bank of Canada's Policy Rate? The Bank of Canada sets the overnight policy rate—the interest rate at which major banks lend money to each other. This rate serves as a benchmark that influences borrowing and lending costs across the entire economy. When the Bank raises or lowers this rate, commercial banks adjust their prime rates accordingly, which directly affects the rates you pay on mortgages, lines of credit, and other loans. The Bank's primary goal is to keep inflation near its 2% target. When inflation runs too hot, the Bank raises rates to cool spending. When the economy slows, it cuts rates...
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LCBO Strike Continues Amidst Dispute Over Return-to-Work Protocol

 

A tentative agreement to end the two-week-long strike at the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) has been thrown into question, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith bargaining. The Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), representing 10,000 LCBO workers, announced that the strike would continue because the employer refused to sign a return-to-work protocol.

Despite initial optimism, the LCBO has stated that OPSEU introduced significant new monetary demands after the tentative deal was reached, which they argue should have been addressed during negotiations. The LCBO plans to file an unfair labour practice complaint against OPSEU.

The strike, which began on July 5, has been largely driven by concerns over Premier Doug Ford’s plan to allow convenience and grocery stores to sell ready-to-drink cocktails, a move that OPSEU claims threatens their jobs. The LCBO, however, maintains that this issue is not relevant to the bargaining table.

Negotiations had resumed earlier this week, with the LCBO offering wage increases, improved benefits for part-time workers, and the conversion of casual workers to permanent full-time positions. However, the failure to finalize the return-to-work protocol has left the strike ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight.


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