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

Ontario College Faculty Strike Averted with Binding Arbitration Agreement

 


In a significant development, the College Employer Council and the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) have reached an agreement to enter binding arbitration, effectively averting a strike that could have impacted faculty and students across Ontario. 


The union, which represents over 15,000 faculty members, had issued a five-day strike notice last week, warning that labor action could begin as early as Thursday. However, after mediation sessions this week, both sides agreed to let an arbitrator resolve the remaining issues. 


While "significant benefit gains" were achieved in negotiations, several key issues, including work conditions, job security, and quality of education, remained unresolved. These outstanding matters will now be addressed by the arbitrator, who will make a final, binding decision.


The College Employer Council has assured that classes will continue as scheduled, ensuring that students' education will not be disrupted. 


This move to arbitration is seen as a positive step in resolving the dispute without the need for a strike, allowing faculty members to continue their work and students to stay on track with their studies. The outcome of the arbitration will be closely watched as it could set the tone for future negotiations in Ontario’s education sector.



Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment