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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Parliament's Last-Minute Decision on $21B Spending Bill


                                                                        

 In a dramatic turn of events, Members of Parliament are gearing up for an eleventh-hour vote on a $21.6 billion spending bill. The vote, which is set to take place late tonight, comes just hours before the crucial deadline of December 10th.

The bill, proposed by the Liberals, seeks to allocate funds for various programs, including the First Nations child and family services program and compensation for Quebec's services for asylum seekers. However, the path to this vote has been anything but smooth. Parliament has been in a deadlock for months as Conservatives have been pressing the Liberals to release documents related to alleged misspending on a green-tech fund.

In a surprising move last week, Speaker Greg Fergus ruled to pause the ongoing privilege debate, allowing the spending bill vote to proceed. This decision underscores the urgency and importance of the bill, which includes $561 million for the Department of National Defence's Canadian multi-mission aircraft project.

Government House leader Karina Gould expressed cautious optimism, stating, "I'm looking forward to having the vote. There's a lot of really good things in there for Canadians, and it's important we get this done."

The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for various government programs and services, making it a pivotal moment for Canadian politics.



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