Bank of Canada raises interest rate to 0.5%

The Bank of Canada is raising its key interest rate to 0.5% to battle high inflation and rising inflation expectations. Inflation is running at a 30-year high and the central bank notes it’s concerned Canadians may be starting to believe that it will stay higher for longer.

What does this mean for Canadians? Recent data from The Angus Reid Institute found that over half (53%) of Canadians reported being unable to keep up with the cost of living. And following the Bank of Canada’s announcement that it will raise its policy rate, that means less money is going towards the principal on Canadians’ mortgages and other debts.  Financial Educator with the Credit Counselling Society, Mark Kalinowski says the hike has been a long time coming.

And for those looking to buy or sell a home, Courtney Atkinson with the Atkinson Team at eXp Realty says, the interest rate hike is not likely cool off the southern Alberta market.

Adding fuel to the case for higher interest, the Bank of Canada said in a statement, “The unprovoked invasion of Ukraine by Russia is a major new source of uncertainty.” The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is April 13.

Naveen Day

Naveen's career in broadcast and production spans close to 30 years. Prior to his move to Alberta, he was Senior Producer for two factual entertainment shows for Shaw and BellMTS, which were produced in his hometown of Winnipeg. He also served as a Producer and Production Supervisor at one of Canada's largest and fastest growing churches, and helped lead a production team of 75 volunteers. Naveen came on board with the team at Bridge City News in 2018 and performs on both sides of the camera lens as Producer, Editor, Production Coordinator, Back-up Anchor, Interview Host, and Video Journalist. In February 2022, Naveen went to Ottawa to provide daily, boots-on-the-ground coverage of the Freedom Convoy - an experience he describes as a monumental moment in Canadian history. Naveen is a two-time Communicator Awards recipient. In 2023, he won the Excellence Award for a piece he did on Alberta's Disability workers, and in 2024, he won again for a story titled, "New Smile, New Life".

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