Skip to main content

Featured

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

article

Labels

Trudeau Announces GST Holiday and $250 Cheques to Ease Holiday Costs

 

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled a series of measures aimed at alleviating financial pressures for Canadians during the holiday season. The announcement includes a two-month GST holiday on select goods and services, as well as $250 cheques for many Canadians.

Starting December 14, 2024, and running through February 15, 2025, the GST holiday will apply to a variety of items, including prepared foods, restaurant meals, snacks, children’s clothing and footwear, toys, books, and Christmas trees. This initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to families and individuals facing high costs during the festive period.

In addition to the GST holiday, the federal government will issue $250 cheques to Canadians who earned up to $150,000 in 2023. These cheques, part of the “Working Canadians Rebate,” are expected to be distributed in early spring 2025.

Trudeau emphasized that these measures are intended to help Canadians manage their expenses during a time of year that can be particularly financially challenging. “For two months, Canadians are going to get a real break on everything they do,” he said at a media event in Newmarket, Ontario.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland added that the GST holiday and rebate are part of the government’s broader efforts to support Canadians as the country continues to recover from the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These initiatives are expected to save taxpayers an estimated $1.6 billion over the two-month period, providing significant relief to many households across the country.


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment