While the Bank of Canada (BoC) recently cut interest rates, the bond market tells a different story. Government of Canada (GoC) bond yields have reversed their course, surging upward and signaling higher costs for fixed-rate mortgages. For Canadian homebuyers, this is an important shift as fixed-rate mortgages—historically the most affordable option—could soon become more expensive. Continue reading
Kathy Hilton
Many Canadian Companies Set to Hire for New Roles in 2025
If you’re considering a career change in 2025, there’s good news on the horizon. A significant portion of Canadian companies are planning to hire for new positions in the first half of the new year. Strong Hiring Trends for 2025 According to new data from Robert Half’s State of Canadian Hiring Survey, 46% of companies Continue reading
Calgary Liquor Stores and Shoppers Prepare for Holiday GST Relief
The Canadian federal government’s GST/HST holiday commenced on December 14, 2024, introducing a two-month exemption from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on a selection of items frequently purchased during the holiday season. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to consumers during a peak spending period. Scope of the Continue reading
More Than 184,000 Stanley Travel Mugs Recalled in Canada Due to Burn Hazard
If you use Stanley travel mugs, it’s time to check your collection. A recall has been issued in Canada and the U.S. for certain Stanley mugs due to burn hazards. Below, we break down the details to help you identify if your mug is affected. Why Were Stanley Mugs Recalled? On Thursday, Health Canada announced Continue reading
Bagels Recalled Across Ontario and Canada Due to Metal Contamination
Bagel Brands Recalled Across Canada The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has issued a recall notice for various bagel brands due to potential contamination with pieces of metal. The brands affected include Co-op, TGP, Super A, and Bigway. This recall, announced on December 4, 2024, impacts bagels distributed across multiple provinces and territories, including Ontario, Continue reading
New Mortgage Rules Take Effect; Additional Changes Expected Soon, Economist Predicts
On December 15, two major mortgage reforms came into effect in Canada, aiming to tackle housing affordability and ease financial pressures for homebuyers. These changes, which expand 30-year amortizations and raise the insured mortgage cap, mark a significant federal effort to support first-time buyers and address the housing crisis. More updates could follow soon, as Continue reading
Top 10 Pension Plans in Canada: A Comprehensive Ranking
Pensions are a crucial aspect of retirement planning for Canadians, offering financial security once individuals retire. These plans ensure a steady income, helping you maintain a comfortable lifestyle in your later years. Since pension plans are heavily regulated, they allow you to make calculated contributions and effectively map out your retirement strategy. However, with various Continue reading
Ontario Considers Halting U.S. Electricity Exports and Banning American Alcohol in Response to Potential Trump Tariffs
Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, is preparing to take significant retaliatory measures against the United States if President-elect Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods. These measures, aimed at protecting the livelihoods of Ontarians and Canadians, could disrupt U.S.-Canada trade relations, affecting everything from energy to critical minerals. Ontario’s Plan to Bar U.S.-Made Alcohol Continue reading
Higher Old Age Security Pensions Announced: Here’s What You’ll Get
Canadian seniors aged 65 years or older are set to see an increase in Old Age Security (OAS) benefits. Payments for October rolled out on schedule, with a boost aimed at addressing cost-of-living increases. The Liberal government, however, is facing mounting pressure to extend additional benefits to those under 75. Quarterly Adjustments Based on CPI Continue reading
“Auditor General Flags Uncertainty Over Adequacy of Old Age Security Payments for Seniors”
A recent report by Canada’s Auditor General highlights significant gaps in the federal government’s approach to supporting seniors through programs like Old Age Security (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). The findings reveal that Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the department responsible for these benefits, lacks a clear understanding of whether its programs Continue reading