Bank of Canada Rate Announcement July 13th, 2016

Marci • July 13, 2016

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.

Inflation in Canada is on track to return to 2 per cent in 2017 as the complex adjustment underway in Canada’s economy proceeds. The fundamentals remain in place for a pickup in growth over the projection horizon, albeit in a climate of heightened uncertainty.

In this context, the forecast for the global economy has been marked down slightly from the Bank’s April Monetary Policy Report (MPR). Global GDP growth is projected to be 2.9 per cent in 2016, 3.3 per cent in 2017, and 3.5 per cent in 2018. In particular, after a weak start to 2016 the US economy is showing signs of a rebound, with a healthy labour market and solid consumption growth. In the wake of Brexit, global markets have materially re-priced a number of asset classes. Financial conditions, already accommodative, have become even more so.

In Canada, the quarterly pattern of growth has been uneven. Real GDP grew by 2.4 per cent in the first quarter but is estimated to have contracted by 1 per cent in the second quarter, pulled down by volatile trade flows, uneven consumer spending, and the Alberta wildfires. A pick-up to 3 1/2 per cent is expected in the third quarter as oil production resumes and rebuilding begins in Fort McMurray. Consumer spending will also get a boost from the Canada Child Benefit.

While the fundamental elements of the Bank’s projection are similar to those presented in April, the forecast has been revised down in light of a weaker outlook for business investment and a lower profile for exports, reflecting a downward adjustment to US investment spending. Real GDP is expected to grow by 1.3 per cent in 2016, 2.2 per cent in 2017, and 2.1 per cent in 2018. The Bank projects above-potential growth from the second half of 2016, lifted by rising US demand and supported by accommodative monetary and financial conditions. Federal infrastructure spending and other fiscal measures announced in the March budget will also contribute to growth.  Despite recent volatility, the Bank expects the underlying trend of export growth to continue, leading to a pick-up in business investment. Higher global oil prices are helping to stabilize Canada’s energy sector and household spending is expected to increase moderately.

The Bank forecasts that the output gap will close somewhat later than estimated in April, towards the end of 2017. Underlying this judgement is the downward revision to business investment, which lowers the profile for both real GDP and, to a lesser extent, potential output.  

While inflation has recently been a little higher than anticipated, largely due to higher consumer energy prices, it is still in the lower half of the Bank’s inflation-control range. Most measures of core inflation remain close to 2 per cent but would be lower without the impact of past exchange rate depreciation. The temporary effects of exchange-rate pass-through and past declines in consumer energy prices are expected to dissipate in late 2016, and the Bank projects that inflation will average close to 2 per cent throughout 2017 as the output gap narrows.

Overall, the risks to the profile for inflation are roughly balanced, although the implications of the Brexit vote are highly uncertain and difficult to forecast. At the same time, financial vulnerabilities are elevated and rising, particularly in the greater Vancouver and Toronto areas. The Bank’s Governing Council judges that the overall balance of risks remains within the zone for which the current stance of monetary policy is appropriate, and the target for the overnight rate remains at 1/2 per cent.

Here are the remaining announcement dates for 2016:

  • Wednesday 7 September
  • Wednesday 19 October*
  • Wednesday 7 December

*Monetary Policy Report published

All rate announcements will be made at 10:00 (ET), and the Monetary Policy Report will continue to be published concurrently with the April, July, and October rate announcements.

Monetary Policy Report

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Divorce and Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know

By Marci Deane • May 13, 2026
Going Through a Separation? Here’s What You Need to Know About Your Mortgage Separation or divorce can be one of life’s most stressful transitions—and when real estate is involved, the financial side of things can get complicated fast. If you and your partner own a home together, figuring out what happens next with your mortgage is a critical step in moving forward. Here’s what you need to know: You’re Still Responsible for Mortgage Payments Even if your relationship changes, your obligation to your mortgage lender doesn’t. If your name is on the mortgage, you’re fully responsible for making sure payments continue. Missed payments can lead to penalties, damage your credit, or even put your home at risk of foreclosure. If you relied on your partner to handle payments during the relationship, now is the time to take a proactive role. Contact your lender directly to confirm everything is on track. Breaking or Changing Your Mortgage Comes With Costs Dividing your finances might mean refinancing, removing someone from the title, or selling the home. All of these options come with potential legal fees, appraisal costs, and mortgage penalties—especially if you’re mid-term with a fixed-rate mortgage. Before making any decisions, speak with your lender to get a clear picture of the potential costs. This info can be helpful when finalizing your separation agreement. Legal Status Affects Financing If you're applying for a new mortgage after a separation, lenders will want to see official documentation—like a signed separation agreement or divorce decree. These documents help the lender assess any ongoing financial obligations like child or spousal support, which may impact your ability to qualify. No paperwork yet? Expect delays and added scrutiny in the mortgage process until everything is finalized. Qualifying on One Income Can Be Tougher Many couples qualify for mortgages based on combined income. After a separation, your borrowing power may decrease if you're now applying solo. This can affect your ability to buy a new home or stay in the one you currently own. A mortgage professional can help you reassess your financial picture and identify options that make sense for your situation—whether that means buying on your own, co-signing with a family member, or exploring government programs. Buying Out Your Partner? You May Have Extra Flexibility In cases where one person wants to stay in the home, lenders may offer special flexibility. Unlike traditional refinancing, which typically caps borrowing at 80% of the home’s value, a “spousal buyout” may allow you to access up to 95%—making it easier to compensate your former partner and retain the home. This option is especially useful for families looking to minimize disruption for children or maintain community ties. You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone Separation is never simple—but with the right support, you can move forward with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re keeping the home, selling, or starting fresh, working with a mortgage professional can help you understand your options and create a strategy that aligns with your new goals. Let’s talk through your situation and explore the best path forward. I’m here to help.

Everything You Need to Know About Second Mortgages

By Marci Deane • May 6, 2026
What Is a Second Mortgage, Really? (It’s Not What Most People Think) If you’ve heard the term “second mortgage” and assumed it refers to the next mortgage you take out after your first one ends, you’re not alone. It’s a common misconception—but the reality is a bit different. A second mortgage isn’t about the order of mortgages over time. It’s actually about the number of loans secured against a single property —at the same time. So, What Exactly Is a Second Mortgage? When you first buy a home, your mortgage is registered on the property in first position . This simply means your lender has the primary legal claim to your property if you ever sell it or default. A second mortgage is another loan that’s added on top of your existing mortgage. It’s registered in second position , meaning the lender only gets paid out after the first mortgage is settled. If you sell your home, any proceeds go toward paying off the first mortgage first, then the second one, and any remaining equity is yours. It’s important to note: You still keep your original mortgage and keep making payments on it —the second mortgage is an entirely separate agreement layered on top. Why Would Anyone Take Out a Second Mortgage? There are a few good reasons homeowners choose this route: You want to tap into your home equity without refinancing your existing mortgage. Your current mortgage has great terms (like a low interest rate), and breaking it would trigger hefty penalties. You need access to funds quickly , and a second mortgage is faster and more flexible than refinancing. One common use? Debt consolidation . If you’re juggling high-interest credit card or personal loan debt, a second mortgage can help reduce your overall interest costs and improve monthly cash flow. Is a Second Mortgage Right for You? A second mortgage can be a smart solution in the right situation—but it’s not always the best move. It depends on your current mortgage terms, your equity, and your financial goals. If you’re curious about how a second mortgage could work for your situation—or if you’re considering your options to improve cash flow or access equity—let’s talk. I’d be happy to walk you through it and help you explore the right path forward. Reach out anytime—we’ll figure it out together.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Marci Deane • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.