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Big Six Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates: What Your Renewal Costs Now

  Canadian Money Brief • Mortgages Updated Saturday, October 17, 2026 If your mortgage term ends this winter, the rate you saw advertised in August is probably gone. All six of Canada’s big banks have raised fixed rates since early September, and the Bank of Canada hasn’t touched its policy rate in almost a year. That disconnect catches a lot of homeowners off guard. Your fixed mortgage rate doesn’t follow the Bank of Canada. It follows the bond market. And bond yields have been climbing on oil-driven inflation worries, which means the people feeling it first right now are the ones opening a renewal letter. The numbers at a glance Up to 0.50 pt in fixed-rate increases at the big banks in about five weeks • BoC policy rate still 2.25% • Big bank prime still 4.45% • About $110 a month more on a $400,000 balance from a half-point jump How far have the big banks moved? Depending on the term, some big bank fixed rates are up by as much as half a percentage point in roughly five week...

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Important Items for Canadian Taxpayers to Consider Before Filing Their 2023 Tax Return

 

Here are some important items that Canadian taxpayers should consider before filing their 2023 tax return:

  1. Filing and payment deadlines: The deadline for most Canadians to file their 2023 tax return is April 30, 2023. If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15, 2023, to file on time. If you have a balance owing, your payment is due on April 30, 2023. Filing your return before the respective deadline will allow you to avoid interruptions to any benefit or credit payments you may be entitled to.

  2. Register for direct deposit and file online: You can register for direct deposit and file online to get any refund you may be eligible for faster. To file online, the CRA has a list of certified tax software products that are easy to use, fast, and secure, some of which are free! When you file using NETFILE-certified software, you may be able to use: Auto-fill my return and Express NOA. 

  3. Get free tax help: If you have a modest income and a simple tax situation, volunteers at a free tax clinic may be able to do your taxes for you.

  4. New tax changes: There are several new tax changes that Canadian taxpayers should be aware of when filing their 2023 tax return. Some of the most important changes include an increase in unpaid tax penalty, expiration of COVID-19 benefits, introduction of a new grocery rebate, and changes to Disability Tax Credit.


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