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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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Packed Classrooms, Stretched Resources: Alberta Schools Strain Under Population Boom

 


    




Alberta’s rapid population growth — now nearing five million — is pushing the province’s schools to breaking point, with overcrowded classrooms becoming the norm in major urban centres.

Parents in cities like Calgary and Edmonton report children learning in hallways, gyms, and converted libraries, while some schools have paused enrolment due to lack of space. Class sizes of nearly 30 students are common, with gym classes swelling to more than 50. The noise and cramped conditions are prompting some families to hire private tutors to help their children keep up.

School boards warn that capacity issues will worsen, with Edmonton Public Schools projecting it will be full by 2028. The crisis comes amid stalled contract talks between the Alberta Teachers’ Association and the provincial government, with a potential provincewide strike looming on October 6.

Premier Danielle Smith’s government has pledged to hire 3,000 teachers over three years and invest $8.6 billion in new school construction, but says budget constraints mean trade-offs between higher wages and more staff. Teachers argue both are essential to address the strain on Alberta’s education system.


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