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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...
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U.S. Layoffs Reach Highest Level Since Last March

 


As the calendar flips to March, so does the unsettling news of layoffs across the United States. The job market, once showing signs of recovery, now faces a surge in cutbacks. Let’s delve into the numbers and understand the implications.

In February, job cut announcements reached a staggering 84,638, marking the highest level since last March. This surge represents a 3% increase from January, according to the outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas. The technology sector bore the brunt of these layoffs, alongside transportation and services.

While the total for February is the highest since 2009, there’s a silver lining: on a year-to-date basis, cuts in 2024 are down by 7.6% compared to the same period last year. However, this doesn’t diminish the immediate impact on affected workers and their families.

The technology industry, which has been a beacon of innovation, is grappling with significant job losses. Despite leading all sectors in cuts this year, the tech industry has seen a 55% decline in layoffs year-to-date when compared to 2023. Meanwhile, the finance sector faces a stark contrast, with cuts up by 56% over last year.

Restructuring efforts, plant closures, and store shutdowns were the most frequently cited reasons for layoffs. Interestingly, technological updates were responsible for 15,225 job cuts through February. However, there’s a twist: some companies may be masking cuts associated with artificial intelligence (AI) under other labels. Andrew Challenger, Senior Vice President at Challenger, Gray & Christmas, points out that firms are implementing not only AI but also robotics and automation. Last year alone, AI was directly linked to 4,247 job reductions, highlighting its growing impact on companies’ workforces.

As the economy grapples with inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting workforce dynamics, the road ahead remains uncertain. For those affected by layoffs, resilience and adaptability are crucial. And for businesses, thoughtful strategies are essential to balance efficiency gains with the well-being of their employees.

In conclusion, while the numbers tell a sobering tale, let’s remember that behind each statistic lies a person—a worker facing an uncertain future. As we move forward, let’s strive for a resilient and compassionate recovery.


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