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5 Things Every Canadian Should Know About Their Money Today

From a rate hold to a sovereign wealth fund — here's what's moving the needle on your finances right now. 01 — DEADLINE Today is the tax filing deadline — and your refund may be a lifeline April 30 is the last day most Canadians can file their 2025 income tax return without penalty. With the cost of living still squeezing household budgets, many Canadians are counting on their refund as a financial cushion. Filing late triggers a 5% penalty on any balance owing, plus 1% for each additional month. If you haven't filed yet, the CRA's NETFILE portal is still open — act before midnight. 02 — INTEREST RATES Bank of Canada holds steady at 2.25% — no relief yet for borrowers The Bank of Canada kept its policy rate at 2.25% yesterday — the third consecutive hold of 2026. Governor Tiff Macklem cited rising inflation driven by higher global energy prices tied to the Middle East conflict, while U.S. tariffs continue to weigh on exports. CPI inflation climbed to 2.4% in Ma...
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Lula Stands Firm Against Trump Tariff Pressure, Rejects “Humiliation” of Direct Talks

Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during an interview with Reuters at the Alvorada Palace, in Brasilia

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has firmly rejected the idea of initiating direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump over newly imposed tariffs, calling such a move a “humiliation.” As the U.S. raised tariffs on Brazilian goods to 50%, Lula emphasized that he would not compromise Brazil’s sovereignty or dignity by pleading for negotiations.

“The day my intuition says Trump is ready to talk, I won’t hesitate to call him,” Lula said in an interview. “But today my intuition says he doesn’t want to talk. And I’m not going to humiliate myself.”

The tariff hike, which Trump linked to demands for halting the prosecution of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, has sparked outrage in Brasília. Lula condemned the move as an unacceptable interference in Brazil’s judicial affairs, calling Bolsonaro a “traitor to the homeland” and accusing Trump of trying to dictate terms to a sovereign nation.

Instead of bilateral talks, Lula is turning to multilateral diplomacy. He plans to consult BRICS leaders—starting with India and China—on a coordinated response to the U.S. tariffs. Lula, who currently holds the BRICS presidency, said Trump’s actions threaten global multilateralism and reflect a dangerous shift toward unilateralism.

 “Brazil deserves respect,” Lula declared during a national economic council meeting. “We cannot depend on just one country. Brazil wants to trade, to grow, and to be treated as an equal partner”.

While cabinet-level discussions with U.S. officials may continue, Lula’s stance signals a broader shift in Brazil’s foreign policy—one that prioritizes dignity, sovereignty, and strategic alliances over appeasement.


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