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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...

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Israel Terminates Agreement with UNRWA, Impacting Aid in Gaza

 

In a significant development, Israel has officially terminated its agreement with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the primary provider of aid in Gaza. This move follows recent legislation passed by the Israeli parliament, which restricts UNRWA’s operations within Israeli territory.

The Israeli government has accused UNRWA of being infiltrated by Hamas, a claim the agency firmly denies, asserting that it maintains strict neutrality in its operations. The termination of this agreement, which dates back to 1967, is seen as a step towards implementing the new laws that sever ties with the agency.

UNRWA has been a crucial lifeline for millions of Palestinians, providing essential services such as education, healthcare, and food aid. The cessation of cooperation with UNRWA is expected to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where the population relies heavily on international aid.

The international community has expressed concern over the potential humanitarian impact of this decision. Aid groups warn that the new restrictions could severely hamper efforts to address the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on how this decision will affect the delivery of aid and the broader implications for the region’s stability.


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