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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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U.S. Treasury Secretary Warns of Approaching Debt Ceiling Crisis


Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has issued a stark warning that the United States could hit its debt ceiling as early as mid-January. In a letter to congressional leaders, Yellen stated that her agency would need to begin taking "extraordinary measures" to prevent the nation from breaching the debt limit. These measures are special accounting maneuvers intended to keep the government operating without defaulting on its obligations.

Yellen emphasized the urgency of the situation, urging Congress to act swiftly to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. The debt ceiling, which had been suspended until January 1, 2025, is expected to be reinstated on January 2, 2025. However, due to a scheduled redemption of nonmarketable securities held by a federal trust fund associated with Medicare payments, the Treasury does not expect to need to take extraordinary measures until January 14 to January 23.

The federal debt currently stands at approximately $36 trillion, a figure that has grown significantly over the years under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The spike in inflation following the COVID-19 pandemic has further increased government borrowing costs, making the situation even more critical.

Yellen's warning comes after President Joe Biden signed a bill last week that averted a government shutdown but did not address the debt ceiling issue. The bill was passed only after intense debate among Republicans over how to handle President-elect Donald Trump's demand to raise or suspend the debt limit.

As the new year approaches, the nation's fiscal health hangs in the balance, with lawmakers facing a critical decision on how to address the impending debt ceiling crisis.




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