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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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Billionaire Babiš Secures Election Lead, Faces Coalition Challenge in Czech Republic

Leader of ANO party Andrej Babis gestures as he reacts to the preliminary results of the parliamentary election, in Prague

Populist billionaire Andrej Babiš has staged a political comeback, with his ANO party emerging as the clear winner in the Czech Republic’s parliamentary election. Preliminary results show ANO capturing around 35% of the vote, far ahead of Prime Minister Petr Fiala’s Spolu (Together) coalition, which trailed at roughly 23%.

Despite the victory, Babiš fell short of an outright majority in the 200-seat lower house, securing about 80 seats. To form a government, he will need support from smaller right-wing and eurosceptic groups such as the Motorists and the Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD) party. Both have signaled willingness to negotiate, though they are demanding cabinet positions rather than simply offering external support.

Babiš, who previously served as prime minister from 2017 to 2021, has promised higher wages, lower taxes, and a rejection of EU climate and migration policies. His win strengthens the populist, anti-immigration bloc in Europe, aligning him more closely with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovakia’s Robert Fico.

The result could also shift Czech foreign policy. While the outgoing government was a strong supporter of Ukraine, Babiš has pledged to scale back military aid and focus on domestic priorities. President Petr Pavel will now play a key role in post-election talks, as he holds the authority to appoint the next prime minister and cabinet.

With coalition negotiations expected to be complex, the Czech Republic faces weeks of political maneuvering before a new government is confirmed.




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