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The Rate Cuts Are Over — Is a Hike Coming?

  July 23, 2026 Oil shocks, sticky inflation and a technical recession are pulling the Bank of Canada in opposite directions at once. For most of the past two years, the only question about the Bank of Canada was how far and how fast it would cut. The overnight rate fell from 5.00% to 2.25% between June 2024 and October 2025, one of the sharpest easing cycles in the Bank's history, and it has held there through six consecutive decisions since. That story is now over. The question on the table for the rest of 2026 isn't whether the Bank cuts again — it's whether the next move is actually a hike. Two conflicting signals, one Bank The case for staying put — or even cutting — comes from the growth side of the ledger. Statistics Canada data showed the economy contracted in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, meeting the informal definition of a technical recession. That was enough to have some economists warning the Bank had no room to raise rates at a...

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Frosty Forecast: Shubenacadie Sam Signals Six More Weeks of Winter

 

In a heartwarming winter tradition, Nova Scotia’s beloved groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam, emerged from her burrow on February 2, 2025, at the Shubenacadie Wildlife Park to deliver her annual prediction. The excited crowd—made up of families bundled in their warmest coats—and thousands tuning in online watched as Sam peeked out into the crisp, frosty morning.

According to age-old folklore, if a groundhog sees her shadow, it means an extended winter is on the horizon. This year, Sam’s brief appearance confirmed that chilly forecast, as she was seen with her shadow, signaling six more weeks of wintry weather ahead. A park spokesperson noted that Sam’s prediction, made at 8 a.m. AST, sets the stage as Nova Scotians prepare for more time to enjoy their snow-covered landscapes before the arrival of spring.

Adding to the day’s festivities, the event coincided with World Wetlands Day—an occasion that highlights the importance of local biodiversity and conservation efforts. The wildlife park offered interactive displays and educational activities, underscoring the region’s commitment to preserving its natural heritage while celebrating this enduring cultural ritual.

Whether or not one believes in the weather-predicting powers of a groundhog, Shubenacadie Sam’s annual forecast remains a cherished part of Nova Scotia’s winter traditions, inviting the community to embrace the season’s beauty and prepare for the extra weeks of winter weather ahead.


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