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

Federal Immigration Department Announces Major Job Cuts


Two federal public service unions have revealed that the Immigration Department is set to cut over 3,300 jobs over the next three years. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) and the Canada Employment and Immigration Union issued a joint statement expressing concern over the lack of information regarding who will be affected by the cuts.

The unions emphasized that the department's staff are essential for processing citizenship and permanent residency applications, issuing passports, and conducting interviews. They urged the government to reduce outside contracting instead of downsizing staff.

The job cuts are part of the government's broader effort to refocus federal spending, which has been ongoing since 2023. The unions are calling for transparency and a reconsideration of the cuts, highlighting the potential impact on the department's ability to fulfill its duties.

Affected employees are expected to be notified in mid-February, with letters being sent out to those impacted. The unions continue to advocate for their members and push for alternative solutions to achieve budgetary goals.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment