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The Rate Cuts Are Over — Is a Hike Coming?

  July 23, 2026 Oil shocks, sticky inflation and a technical recession are pulling the Bank of Canada in opposite directions at once. For most of the past two years, the only question about the Bank of Canada was how far and how fast it would cut. The overnight rate fell from 5.00% to 2.25% between June 2024 and October 2025, one of the sharpest easing cycles in the Bank's history, and it has held there through six consecutive decisions since. That story is now over. The question on the table for the rest of 2026 isn't whether the Bank cuts again — it's whether the next move is actually a hike. Two conflicting signals, one Bank The case for staying put — or even cutting — comes from the growth side of the ledger. Statistics Canada data showed the economy contracted in both the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, meeting the informal definition of a technical recession. That was enough to have some economists warning the Bank had no room to raise rates at a...

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Canada Imposes Sanctions on Extremist Israeli Settlers in the West Bank

 

 In a significant move, Canada has imposed sanctions on individuals accused of engaging in violence against Palestinian civilians and their property in the West Bank. These are the first-ever sanctions targeting extremist Israeli settlers under the Special Economic Measures Act. The escalating violence by extremist settlers has undermined human rights, prospects for a two-state solution, and regional security. Since October 7, 2023, there have been at least 800 settler attacks against Palestinians, resulting in verbal or physical assaults, property damage, and forced displacement of communities.

The Sanctioned Individuals:

  1. David Chai Chasdai
  2. Yinon Levi
  3. Zvi Bar Yosef
  4. Moshe Sharvit

These individuals are now prohibited from dealings related to Canada and are rendered inadmissible under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Canada remains committed to a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace in the Middle East, opposing the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that acts of extremist settler violence are unacceptable, and perpetrators will face consequences. The rise in violence poses significant risks to peace and security in the region, affecting families forced to leave their homes due to threats by extremist settlers.

Canada’s stance aligns with the Geneva Convention, which applies in the occupied territories and establishes Israel’s obligations as an occupying power regarding the humane treatment of inhabitants. While other countries like the U.S., U.K., and EU have also taken measures against violent Israeli settlers, Canada’s recent sanctions represent a crucial step in addressing this ongoing violence.

As the situation unfolds, Canada continues to advocate for a peaceful resolution and justice for affected communities in the West Bank.

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