On June 7, the Bank of Canada raised its policy rate to 4.75%, an increase of 0.25% above the rate of 4.5% that had been in place since January 2023. This was the ninth rate increase since the central bank instituted its quantitative tightening policy in March 2022.
The policy rate has an impact on the interest rates that apply to many types of borrowing, including mortgages and lines of credit. On the other hand, it also influences the interest rates paid by savings products such as deposits and guaranteed investment certificates.
This latest increase is likely to affect many Canadians. Canada’s household debt level is the highest of any G7 country and consists largely of mortgage loans, according to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Moreover, a recent Angus Reid poll revealed that the number of owners having a tough time paying their mortgage was up by 11% in the past year. About 45% of mortgage holders are now in this situation. Renters are also having more difficulty, with 54% reporting that they have trouble paying their rent, and 24% of these saying that this is very difficult – 5% more than a year ago. If you are facing this challenge, don’t hesitate to talk to your advisor, who can help you find the right solutions.
Les sources suivantes ont été utilisées dans la rédaction de cet article.
Angus Reid Institute, « Economic Outlook: Burdened by debt and rising housing costs, three-in-ten Canadians ‘struggling’ to get by ».
Banque du Canada, « La Banque du Canada relève le taux directeur de 25 points de base, et poursuit le resserrement quantitatif » ; « Le taux directeur expliqué ».