From the Bank of Canada's steady hand to a surge in housing starts and Ottawa's new financial crime-fighting agency — here are the five money stories every Canadian should have on their radar this morning. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight rate at 2.25% on April 29 and has signalled it intends to stay put for now. Governing Council is keeping a close eye on Middle East conflict spillover into energy prices, ongoing U.S. tariff uncertainty, and whether inflation — currently hovering just above the 2% target — becomes entrenched. Bond markets are currently pricing in roughly an 18% chance of a 25-basis-point cut by the July 15 announcement, making a move at the June 10 meeting unlikely. 💡 What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders can exhale — no surprise hikes on the horizon. But don't expect big rate relief either; the "lower-for-longer" window appears to be closing. 2 Mortgage...
Controversial Turkish Import Endangers Newborns in Alberta, Documents Reveal
Recent documents have raised alarming concerns over Alberta’s emergency importation of children’s pain medication from Turkey. Produced by Atabay Pharmaceuticals and sold under the brand name Parol Suspension, the drug is marketed at a concentration of 24 mg/ml—significantly lower than the 32 mg/ml concentration found in the standard, Canadian-authorized formulation.
Health experts and opposition critics warn that this altered concentration poses a twofold risk. First, the discrepancy could lead to dosing errors if parents and caregivers, accustomed to the standard formulation, misjudge the correct volume needed. Second, there are fears that the lower concentration may lead to the clogging of hospital feeding tubes—a critical concern for vulnerable newborns.
Alberta Blue Cross has informed pharmacists that Parol must be dispensed with enhanced caution, requiring additional education on its proper use. Critics argue that the rushed procurement—amounting to approximately $80 million—exemplifies a misstep in prioritizing political expedience over stringent safety protocols. With traditional supplies of children’s pain medications already in short supply, many worry that this controversial alternative might jeopardize the health of Alberta’s youngest patients.
Further review and tighter regulatory oversight are now being called for, as stakeholders demand that the province safeguard the well-being of newborns and ensure that emergency measures do not compromise pediatric care.
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