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Big Six Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates: What Your Renewal Costs Now

  Canadian Money Brief • Mortgages Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 If your mortgage term ends this winter, the rate you saw advertised in August is probably gone. All six of Canada’s big banks have raised fixed rates since early September, and the Bank of Canada hasn’t touched its policy rate in almost a year. That disconnect catches a lot of homeowners off guard. Your fixed mortgage rate doesn’t follow the Bank of Canada. It follows the bond market. And bond yields have been climbing on oil-driven inflation worries, which means the people feeling it first right now are the ones opening a renewal letter. The numbers at a glance Up to 0.50 pt in fixed-rate increases at the big banks in about five weeks • BoC policy rate still 2.25% • Big bank prime still 4.45% • About $110 a month more on a $400,000 balance from a half-point jump How far have the big banks moved? Depending on the term, some big bank fixed rates are up by as much as half a percentage point in roughly five week...

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Canada Faces Pressure to Provide Safe Haven for America's Trans Community Following Trump's Gender Order

 

In the wake of President Donald Trump's recent executive order, which mandates the recognition of only two sexes—male and female—there is growing pressure on the Canadian government to offer refuge to America's transgender community. The order, signed on Trump's first day back in office, has sparked widespread concern and backlash, particularly among LGBTQ+ advocates.

The executive order, titled "Defending Women from Gender Ideology Extremism and Restoring Biological Truth to the Federal Government," effectively rolls back protections for transgender individuals by requiring government documents to recognize only male and female as sexes. This move has left many transgender Americans feeling vulnerable and uncertain about their future.

In response, prominent trans activists in Canada are calling on the federal government to update travel safety guidelines for trans Canadians traveling to the U.S. and to consider offering asylum to those affected by the new policy. Fae Johnstone, executive director of the Society of Queer Momentum, has voiced concerns about the potential dangers trans individuals may face when crossing the border with passports that do not conform to the new U.S. regulations.

Canada has long been seen as a safe haven for LGBTQ+ individuals, offering comprehensive protections for gender identity and expression. However, recent events have highlighted the need for continued vigilance and support for the trans community, both domestically and internationally.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the Canadian government will respond to the growing calls for action. For now, trans activists and allies continue to advocate for the rights and safety of transgender individuals on both sides of the border.


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