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Bank of Canada Holds at 2.25% — What the Fine Print Means for You

  July 15, 2026  |  Canadian Money Brief The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% today, exactly as every economist surveyed expected. The number didn't move — but the story underneath it did. Between renewed oil-market chaos, a stubbornly hot inflation reading, and an economy that's finally showing signs of life, this "boring" hold decision was anything but simple. If you've been following our preview piece from earlier this week , this is the follow-up: what actually happened, and what it means for your mortgage, your savings, and your grocery bill. The Decision, in Plain English This marks the sixth consecutive hold since the Bank's last cut back in October 2025. The overnight rate stays at 2.25%, the Bank Rate at 2.5%, and the deposit rate at 2.20%. Bank prime — the number that actually determines your variable mortgage or line of credit rate — stays put at 4.45%. Governor Tiff Macklem has described this level as sitting near the bottom of the Bank...

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New Union Demands Cast Doubt on LCBO Strike Resolution

 

The tentative agreement reached between the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) to end the ongoing strike is now in jeopardy. Despite initial optimism, the union has raised concerns over the LCBO’s refusal to sign a return-to-work protocol, a crucial step for the workers to resume their duties.

The strike, which began on July 5, has seen over 9,000 LCBO employees walk off the job, leading to widespread store closures across Ontario. The tentative deal, announced on July 19, included wage increases and other benefits. However, by the afternoon, the union accused the LCBO of bad faith bargaining, claiming the employer introduced new demands post-agreement.

The LCBO, on the other hand, has stated that the union’s additional demands were unexpected and should have been addressed during the initial negotiations. The board plans to file an unfair labour practice complaint against OPSEU.

As both parties return to the bargaining table, the future of the agreement remains uncertain, leaving Ontarians to face continued disruptions in liquor store services.


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