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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds Near 80%, Oil Tops US$100, Loonie Hits 5-Week High

  Canadian Money Brief  |  Saturday, October 24, 2026 The Bank of Canada is expected to raise rates on Wednesday, oil is back above US$100 and stocks slipped on AI worries. Here are the five things to know this Saturday, and what each one means for your wallet. 1 The Bank of Canada is widely expected to hike on Wednesday Markets are putting roughly an 80% chance on a quarter-point increase at the Bank of Canada’s Oct. 28 decision, which would lift the policy rate from 2.25% to 2.50%. A majority of economists polled by Reuters also expect a second hike by the end of March. The shift followed hawkish comments from Governor Tiff Macklem about a higher inflation outlook driven by oil. What it means for you Every 0.25-point increase adds about $250 a year (roughly $21 a month) for each $100,000 of prime-linked debt, such as a variable-rate mortgage or HELOC. Fixed-rate holders are not hit directly, but renewals are being priced off higher bond yields. Savers may see HISA and...
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Alberta Health Officials Face Scrutiny Over Ties to Supplier Company

 

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, right, and Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange provide an update on what steps the government is taking related to allegations by former Alberta Health Services CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, in Calgary, Alta., Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025.


Alberta’s health system is under renewed scrutiny following revelations that senior health officials also held directorships at a company linked to a medical supplier. The overlap has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the awarding of lucrative health contracts.

The controversy stems from allegations made by former Alberta Health Services (AHS) CEO Athana Mentzelopoulos, who claimed she was dismissed after probing questionable procurement practices. According to her legal filings, contracts under the Alberta Surgical Initiative were awarded to private surgical operators and suppliers with close ties to government officials and health executives.

The situation has prompted investigations by the Auditor General of Alberta, as well as an independent review led by former Manitoba judge Raymond Wyant. While the interim report has yet to be released, the final findings are expected to be made public later this year.

Unions and advocacy groups have called for greater transparency, warning that for-profit deals risk undermining the integrity of the public health system. The government, however, has denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that all contracts were awarded in compliance with existing rules.

As the investigation continues, the revelations highlight the delicate balance between public trust and private partnerships in health care—an issue that could shape the future of Alberta’s health system.


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