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Canadian Money Brief: 5 Things to Know Today — May 18, 2026

  A quick scan of the five stories shaping your wallet right now — from the Bank of Canada's next big decision to your mortgage renewal and a brand-new federal agency hunting financial criminals. 1 Bank of Canada Rate Holds at 2.25% — Next Decision Is June 10 The Bank of Canada kept its overnight policy rate steady at 2.25% at its April 29 meeting, citing a rise in energy-driven inflation and ongoing uncertainty from U.S. tariffs. Governing Council held firm while acknowledging a rate hike could become necessary if oil-linked price pressures prove persistent. The next announcement lands on Wednesday, June 10, 2026 — mark your calendar. Why it matters: Your variable-rate mortgage, HELOC, and lines of credit are directly tied to this rate. With bank prime rates sitting at 4.45%, every meeting counts. 2 Markets TSX Slips Below 34,000 as Bond Yields Spike The S&P/TSX Composite Index finished last week down close to 2%, sliding under the 34,000 mark. A global bond market selloff...

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Life Expectancy in Canada Falls for Third Consecutive Year: What’s Behind the Trend?



 According to a recent report by Statistics Canada, life expectancy for the average Canadian at birth has fallen for three straight years, from 82.3 years in 2019 to 81.3 in 2022. This is a concerning trend that has been attributed to a variety of factors, including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid crisis, and other health-related issues.

The drop in life expectancy is greater for men than for women, with men experiencing a decline of more than eight months compared to nearly five months for women . The opioid crisis is particularly affecting British Columbia and Ontario, which may be contributing to the decline in life expectancy.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on life expectancy in Canada. Preliminary data released by Statistics Canada shows that national life expectancy, which is estimated on an annual basis, was 81.7 years for those born in 2020, down from 82.3 the year before. The pandemic has led to increased mortality rates, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

In conclusion, the decline in life expectancy in Canada is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach to address. Efforts to combat the opioid crisis, improve access to healthcare, and mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic are all necessary to help reverse this trend.


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