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5 Things to Know Today: BoC Hike Odds, Fixed Rates, Tariff Swap, $100 Oil & Budget Countdown (Oct. 25)

  Canadian Money Brief • Sunday, October 25, 2026 A big week for your wallet starts Wednesday. Here are the five things Canadians should know before it begins. 1 The Bank of Canada decides Wednesday, and markets lean toward a hike The Bank of Canada announces its rate decision at 9:45 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 28, alongside a new Monetary Policy Report. Prediction markets price roughly a 79% chance of a quarter-point hike to 2.50%, up sharply after Governor Tiff Macklem’s hawkish comments at the IMF meetings, though analysts remain split and some expect a “hawkish hold.” The U.S. Fed also decides that day. What it means for you: Variable-rate mortgage and HELOC holders feel it first. A 0.25-point hike works out to roughly $70 more per month on a $500,000 variable mortgage (25-year amortization), and prime would move from 4.45% to 4.70%. A hold means little change until the next decision on Dec. 9. 2 Fixed mortgage rates have already moved without the Bank Fixed rates follow bond ...

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Federal Officials Ignored Auditor’s Call to Report Suspicious $160-Million Contract to RCMP


Federal officials have reportedly ignored calls from an auditor to refer a suspicious $160-million contract to the RCMP for investigation. The auditor, who was involved in a federal program prioritizing Indigenous companies, produced a report alleging that a large nurse staffing agency exploited its Indigenous partner and submitted fraudulent documents. Despite the auditor's substantial evidence and recommendation to involve the RCMP, federal officials chose not to act, citing concerns about potential troubles.

The contract in question was an eight-year agreement to deliver nursing services in remote Indigenous communities. The auditor's findings led to the removal of the joint venture from the Indigenous Business Directory managed by Indigenous Services Canada.

This case highlights ongoing issues within federal procurement practices and raises questions about accountability and transparency in handling allegations of fraud.



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