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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Freeland's Exit and Economic Woes: Canada Faces $61.9 Billion Deficit

In a dramatic turn of events, the Canadian government unveiled its fall economic update on Monday, revealing a staggering $61.9 billion deficit for the last fiscal year. The announcement was overshadowed by the abrupt resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who stepped down just hours before she was scheduled to present the update.

Freeland's resignation letter, posted on social media, cited irreconcilable differences with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over the country's economic direction. She criticized the government's "costly political gimmicks" and urged Trudeau to work collaboratively with provincial leaders to address the looming threat of tariffs from U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

The economic update, tabled by Government House Leader Karina Gould, includes over $20 billion in new spending and a $1.3 billion border security package aimed at countering Trump's tariff threats. The document also highlights the government's GST holiday, which took effect on Saturday and is expected to cost $1.6 billion.

Freeland's departure has sparked calls for Trudeau's resignation and raised questions about the future of Canada's economic policy. Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been sworn in as the new finance minister, tasked with navigating the country through these turbulent times.



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