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BoC Opens the Door to Rate Hikes: What It Means for Your Mortgage

  Published September 4, 2026 The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on September 2 — the seventh straight hold — but Governor Tiff Macklem didn't sound like a central banker done for the year. He told reporters the Bank is "prepared to raise interest rates, and if it takes more than one increase, we're prepared to do that," if inflation stays too high. That's a real shift in tone, and it lands right as a wave of Canadians hit their mortgage renewal date. Here's what changed, who's forecasting what, and what it actually means for your payment. Why the Bank Suddenly Sounds Hawkish Canada's annual inflation rate has climbed to around 3% — a full point above the Bank's 2% target — and the Bank is pointing squarely at energy prices. Oil has stayed elevated because of the Iran conflict and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, pushing gas prices up and dragging headline CPI with it. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, is still s...

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How U.S. Tariffs on Canada Could Drive Up Prices for Consumers


With the possibility of new U.S. tariffs on Canadian imports, consumers may soon see higher prices on everyday goods. Canada is a key trade partner, supplying everything from raw materials to finished products. If tariffs are imposed, here’s what could get expensive first:

  1. Lumber & Construction Materials – Canada is the largest foreign supplier of softwood lumber to the U.S. Tariffs could raise homebuilding and renovation costs.
  2. Vehicles & Auto Parts – Canadian auto plants export billions in cars and parts annually. Higher costs could lead to increased vehicle prices.
  3. Food & Beverages – From maple syrup to seafood, Canadian agricultural exports would likely see price hikes at U.S. grocery stores.
  4. Aluminum & Steel Products – These metals are essential for industries like aerospace, construction, and beverage packaging, meaning everything from soda cans to airplanes could get pricier.
  5. Energy & Fuel – Canada is a major oil and gas supplier. Tariffs on crude oil imports could lead to higher gas prices at the pump.

While the U.S. could use tariffs as a tool for trade negotiations, the economic impact on consumers and industries would be hard to ignore. Whether these measures are implemented remains to be seen, but the potential for price increases is real.

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