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BoC Holds at 2.25%: What the Rate Decision (and Rising Gas Prices) Mean for Your Wallet

  Thursday, July 16, 2026 Sixth consecutive hold. A weaker 2026 growth forecast. And inflation that's running hotter because of gas prices, not the usual suspects. Here's what actually changes for you. The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25% on Wednesday, exactly as markets expected. No surprise there. What's more interesting is why it held, and what it revealed about where the economy — and your bills — are headed next. This was the sixth straight hold since the Bank finished its easing cycle back in October. But buried in the accompanying Monetary Policy Report were a few numbers worth your attention. The Numbers That Matter Overnight Rate 2.25% (unchanged) Prime Rate (typical) 4.45% 2026 GDP Growth Forecast 0.7% (cut from 1.2%) 2027 / 2028 Growth Forecast 1.8% each year May CPI Inflation 3.2% Inflation Excluding Gasoline 2.2% Unemployment Rate (June) 6.5% Next Rate Decision September 2, 2026 Why Gas Prices Are Driving This Decision Here's the twist in th...

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Enhanced Tracking of Foreign Students Urged by Canadian Criminologist

In a recent statement, Kelly Sundberg, a criminologist and professor at Mount Royal University, emphasized the need for Canada to improve its tracking of foreign students. Sundberg, who has experience in inland immigration enforcement for the Canada Border Services Agency, highlighted the vulnerabilities in the current system that allow for potential exploitation by transnational criminals.

The call for better tracking comes in the wake of an investigation by Indian law enforcement agencies into a scheme involving Canadian colleges and the illegal transportation of international students across the Canada-U.S. border. The investigation revealed evidence of human trafficking linked to the tragic deaths of an Indian family near the Manitoba-Minnesota border in January 2022.

Sundberg suggested that collecting biometric data, such as fingerprints and photos, from non-citizens entering Canada and tying this information to their immigration documents could help address these issues. He also stressed the importance of having a system in place to confirm the departure of temporary residents, including international students.

The federal government and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) have yet to comment on the allegations, which have not been proven in court. However, Sundberg's recommendations have sparked a broader discussion on the need for reforms in Canada's immigration system, especially as the country faces increasing scrutiny over illegal border crossings and asylum claims.

As Canada continues to make significant changes to its immigration policies, including cutbacks on the number of student visas issued, the focus on enhancing tracking mechanisms for foreign students remains a critical priority.




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