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BoC Decision Day: What a Hold at 2.25% Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 2, 2026 Tomorrow's date has been sitting at the bottom of every Canadian Money Brief for weeks, and it's finally here. The Bank of Canada announces its overnight rate decision on Wednesday, September 2 at 9:45 a.m. ET, with Governor Tiff Macklem holding a press conference at 10:30. Every economist polled by Reuters — all 35 of them — expects the same outcome: a hold at 2.25%, the eighth straight meeting without a move. That's the headline. The more useful question for your wallet is what a "boring" hold actually does — and doesn't do — to your mortgage, and why two of the Big Six banks think the boring streak is about to end. Why a hold is the almost-certain call The Bank has a genuinely awkward setup heading into this meeting. On one side, the economy just posted its best quarter in years: GDP grew at a 3.3% annualized pace in the second quarter, well ahead of the Bank's own 2.5% forecast, and July's jobs report added a blowout ...

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Bankruptcies Surge in Canada Amid Economic Challenges

 

In a year marked by financial turbulence, business insolvencies in Canada have reached unprecedented levels. According to data from the federal Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy, 2023 witnessed the highest number of business insolvencies in 36 years of recorded history. The surge was particularly pronounced, with filings rising 35% in the fourth quarter compared to the previous quarter and more than doubling compared to the same period a year ago.

Key Points:

  1. Record High: The total number of businesses filing for insolvency was the highest in 13 years.
  2. Mainly Bankruptcies: The rise was primarily driven by bankruptcies rather than renegotiations of terms.
  3. Hardest-Hit Sectors: Accommodation and food services, retail, and construction experienced the most significant impact.
  4. Financial Challenges: Businesses grappled with rising input costs, wage expenses, and debt servicing costs throughout the pandemic.
  5. Debt Burden: Debt taken on during the pandemic has left some Canadian businesses unviable or in need of debt restructuring.
  6. Government Loans: Business owners who couldn’t repay government pandemic loans (such as CEBA) by the January 19 deadline now face interest charges and monthly payments.

Economic Outlook:

  • Interest Rate Pressure: The additional costs of servicing debts due to higher interest rates may strain businesses already on a precarious edge.
  • Consumer Spending Decline: The weakening economy has also impacted consumer spending, further adding pressure to businesses’ bottom line.
  • Room for Recovery: Some businesses may struggle to manage increased monthly bills, especially if sales remain challenging.

As the Canadian economy navigates these challenges, businesses face a critical juncture. The road to recovery will require resilience, adaptability, and strategic financial management.


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