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5 Things to Know Today — June 11, 2026

  The Bank of Canada confirmed its fifth straight rate hold yesterday, oil slipped back toward $89 a barrel after fresh U.S. strikes on Iran, and Canada Post workers officially have a new contract. Here is what every Canadian needs to know heading into Wednesday. 1 of 5 — Interest Rates Bank of Canada holds at 2.25% — for the fifth time in a row The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 2.25% on June 10, marking five consecutive holds since late 2025. Governor Tiff Macklem said the central bank is trying to balance two opposing forces: inflation pushed higher by elevated energy costs from the Middle East war, and an economy that has barely grown in recent quarters. "Economic weakness combined with rising inflation is a dilemma for monetary policy," Macklem told reporters, adding that holding the rate "balances those risks" for now. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage holders and borrowers with lines of credit get another month of pa...
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Israel Agrees to Gaza Ceasefire Framework: Now Awaiting Hamas’ Decision

 


In a significant development, Israel has essentially endorsed a framework for a proposed Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The ball is now in Hamas’ court as they must decide whether to agree to it. A senior U.S. administration official revealed this information on Saturday, just a day before talks are scheduled to resume in Egypt.

The proposed framework includes a six-week ceasefire, which could provide much-needed relief to the conflict-weary region. Additionally, Hamas would be required to release hostages considered vulnerable, including the sick, wounded, elderly, and women. The Israelis have “more or less accepted” this proposal, according to the official. However, the final decision rests with Hamas, and efforts are ongoing to encourage their cooperation.

International mediators have been working tirelessly to broker this deal before the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan (around March 10). If successful, the agreement would allow aid to reach hundreds of thousands of desperate Palestinians in northern Gaza. These individuals are currently under the threat of famine due to the ongoing conflict.

In response to the dire situation, U.S. military planes have initiated airdrops of thousands of meals into Gaza. Jordan and Egypt have also conducted similar airdrops. However, aid groups emphasize that airdrops should be a last resort. Instead, they advocate for the opening of other crossings into Gaza and the removal of obstacles at the few existing ones.

The European Union’s diplomatic service has expressed concern over the chaos surrounding an aid convoy in Gaza. Many of the hundreds of Palestinians killed or wounded during the incident were hit by Israeli army fire. The EU calls for an international investigation, attributing the crisis to "restrictions imposed by the Israeli army and obstructions by violent extremists to the supply of humanitarian aid".

As the talks continue, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough that will alleviate the suffering of those caught in the crossfire.


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