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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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Special Counsel Pauses Federal Prosecution of Trump Over 2020 Election Interference

 

In a significant development, Special Counsel Jack Smith has requested a pause in the federal prosecution of President-elect Donald Trump for his alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results. This move comes in light of Trump's recent victory in the 2024 presidential election.

Smith's request, filed on Friday, asks the court to vacate all remaining deadlines in the pretrial schedule to allow the government time to assess the unprecedented circumstances and determine the appropriate course of action. The Justice Department has a longstanding policy against prosecuting sitting presidents, which has influenced this decision.

U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan granted the request, setting a new deadline of December 2, 2024, for the government to file a status report outlining its proposed course for the case. This pause reflects the complexities and legal considerations surrounding the prosecution of a sitting president.

Trump, who has denied all wrongdoing, was initially indicted in August 2023 for his alleged role in a criminal scheme to overturn the 2020 election results. The case has faced numerous delays, and the recent election victory has added another layer of complexity to the proceedings.

As the legal and political implications of this decision unfold, the nation watches closely to see how the Justice Department will navigate this unprecedented situation.

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