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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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Canada Ends Work Permit Applications for Visitors

 

Effective August 28, 2024, visitors to Canada can no longer apply for work permits from within the country. This abrupt policy change by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) aims to manage the number of temporary residents and maintain the integrity of the immigration system.

The policy, initially set to expire on February 28, 2025, was terminated ahead of schedule due to concerns about abuse and the need to streamline the immigration process. Visitors who had previously been able to apply for work permits without leaving Canada must now explore alternative routes to work legally in the country.

This change underscores the government’s commitment to tightening immigration rules and addressing issues related to temporary foreign workers.


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