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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds, Fixed Rates, Tariff Swap, $100 Oil & Budget Countdown (Oct. 25)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, October 25, 2026 A big week for your wallet starts Wednesday. Here are the five things Canadians should know before it begins. 1 The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and markets lean toward a hike The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, alongside a new Monetary Policy Report. Prediction markets price roughly a 79% chance of a quarter-point hike to 2.50%, up sharply after Governor Tiff Macklem’s hawkish comments at the IMF meetings, though analysts remain split and some expect a “hawkish hold.” The U.S. Fed also decides that day. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders feel it first. A 0.25-point hike works out to roughly $70 more per month on a $500,000 variable mortgage (25-year amortization), and prime would move from 4.45% to 4.70%. A hold means little change until the next decision on Dec. 9. 2 Fixed mortgage rates have already moved without the Bank Fixed rates follow bond ...

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Ontario Premier Doug Ford Calls Snap Election for February 27

Ontario Premier Doug Ford is set to call a snap election next week, sending voters to the polls on February 27. This unexpected move comes as Ford seeks a fresh mandate to address the looming threat of tariffs from the United States under President Donald Trump. The provincial election, originally scheduled for June 2026, has been advanced as Ford emphasizes the need for a "strong mandate" to protect Ontario's economy and jobs.

Ford's decision has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, who accuse him of prioritizing his political career over the province's stability. Ontario Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie expressed her disapproval, stating that Ford has chosen "recklessness over responsibility". Despite the controversy, recent polls indicate that Ford's Progressive Conservative Party holds a significant lead, with 46% of respondents supporting the Conservatives.

The upcoming election will be the first mid-winter election in Ontario since 1981. As the province braces for this unexpected political event, all eyes will be on Ford's announcement next week and the subsequent campaign trail.

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