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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...

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Ontario PCs Unveil $40-Billion Platform, Promise to Eliminate Alcohol Floor Price

Ontario's Progressive Conservatives, led by Doug Ford, have unveiled a campaign platform promising up to $40 billion in new spending. This announcement comes just three days before the provincial election. The platform includes several previously unannounced measures, such as a $5-billion Protect Ontario Account to counter potential U.S. tariffs, $705 million to expand STEM and skilled trades training at post-secondary institutions, and $50 million to support modular housing technology.

One of the most notable promises is the proposal to eliminate the minimum retail price for liquor. Currently, the minimum price for a 750-millilitre bottle of vodka is set to rise to $31.15 this weekend. Ford argues that removing the floor price will save consumers money and put more money back into their pockets, likening it to a tax break.

The platform, however, does not include a full costing breakdown of how these promises will be funded. Ford defended the absence of detailed cost estimates by citing his government's track record of fiscal responsibility over the past seven years.

As the election day approaches, voters will have to weigh these ambitious promises against the potential impact on the province's budget and economic stability.


: [Source 1](https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/ontario-pcs-make-40b-in-platform-promises-pledge-to-axe-floor-price-for-alcohol/ar-AA1zEG0C)

: [Source 2](https://ca.news.yahoo.com/doug-fords-pcs-promise-40b-174158783.html)

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