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

Shawn Dreger • 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.

What the Bank of Canada Said

A World Under Pressure

The Bank cited two major forces shaping today's decision: the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and continued uncertainty around U.S. trade policy. The Iran war has pushed energy prices sharply higher and disrupted transportation routes, squeezing oil-importing economies and pushing inflation up globally. Meanwhile, U.S. tariffs and shifting trade patterns continue to create headwinds for Canadian businesses and exporters.

Financial markets have been volatile, reflecting daily developments in the Middle East. Bond yields are modestly higher since January, and the U.S. dollar has strengthened against most major currencies — though the Canada-U.S. exchange rate has remained relatively stable.

The Canadian Economy

Canada's economy contracted in the fourth quarter of 2025, but growth is forecast to have resumed in early 2026. Consumer and government spending are providing support, while tariffs and trade uncertainty are weighing on exports and business investment. Housing activity has also declined, held back by slow population growth, economic uncertainty, and affordability challenges.

The labour market remains soft. Employment growth has been subdued over the past year, with job losses in sectors targeted by U.S. tariffs. The unemployment rate is sitting in the 6.5% to 7% range.

The Bank's April forecast projects GDP growth of 1.2% in 2026, rising to 1.6% in 2027 and 1.7% in 2028 as exports and business investment gradually recover.

Inflation

CPI inflation climbed to 2.4% in March, driven largely by higher gasoline prices. The Bank expects inflation to rise further in April — potentially reaching around 3% — before easing back toward the 2% target early next year as oil prices moderate. Core inflation has been holding steady at just above 2%.

Importantly, the Bank is watching carefully to ensure that higher energy prices don't feed through more broadly into goods and services prices. Longer-term inflation expectations remain anchored, which is a positive sign.

Why the Bank Held

With growth risks on one side and rising inflation pressures on the other, the Bank of Canada's Governing Council chose to hold steady at 2.25%. The Bank is "looking through" the immediate inflationary impact of the war in Iran, but has been clear that it will not allow higher energy prices to become entrenched inflation. As conditions evolve, the Bank stands ready to respond in either direction.

What This Means for Mortgage Holders and Buyers

A rate hold means no immediate change to variable-rate mortgage payments or home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) tied to the prime rate. The prime rate remains at 4.45%.

The bigger picture here is one of caution and patience. The Bank is navigating a genuinely difficult environment — balancing weak domestic growth against rising inflation risks from global energy prices. This uncertainty is likely to keep rates on hold for the foreseeable future, rather than signalling cuts or hikes in the near term.

For anyone thinking about locking in a fixed rate, renewing soon, or entering the market as a buyer, this environment calls for careful planning. The difference between rate options can mean thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.

The next scheduled rate announcement is June 10, 2026 .

As always, every borrower's situation is unique. If you have questions about how today's announcement affects your mortgage — or want to explore your options before the next decision — don't hesitate to reach out.

Information sourced from the Bank of Canada's official press release and Monetary Policy Report dated April 29, 2026.

Shawn Dreger
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Co-Signing a Mortgage in Canada: Pros, Cons & What to Expect

By Shawn Dreger • September 29, 2026
Co-Signing a Mortgage in Canada: Pros, Cons & What to Expect Thinking about co-signing a mortgage? On the surface, it might seem like a simple way to help someone you care about achieve homeownership. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand exactly what co-signing means—for them and for you. You’re Fully Responsible When you co-sign, your name is on the mortgage—and that makes you just as responsible as the primary borrower. If payments are missed, the lender won’t only go after them; they’ll come after you too. Missed payments or default can damage your credit score and put your financial health at risk. That’s why trust is key. If you’re going to co-sign, make sure you have a clear picture of the borrower’s ability to manage payments—and consider monitoring the account to protect yourself. You’re Committed Until They Can Stand Alone Co-signing isn’t temporary by default. Even once the initial mortgage term ends, you won’t automatically be removed. The borrower has to re-qualify on their own, and only then can your name be taken off. If they don’t qualify, you stay on the mortgage for another term. Before agreeing, talk openly about expectations: How long might you be on the mortgage? What’s the plan for eventually removing you? Having these conversations upfront prevents surprises later. It Affects Your Own Borrowing Power When lenders calculate your debt service ratios, the co-signed mortgage counts as your debt—even if you never make a payment on it. This could reduce how much you’re able to borrow in the future, whether it’s for your own home, an investment property, or even refinancing. If you see another mortgage in your future, you’ll want to consider how co-signing could limit your options. The Upside: Helping Someone Get Ahead On the positive side, co-signing can be life-changing for the borrower. You could be helping a family member or friend buy their first home, start building equity, or take an important step forward financially. If handled with clear expectations and trust, it can be a meaningful way to support someone you care about. The Bottom Line Co-signing a mortgage comes with both risks and rewards. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but with careful planning, transparency, and professional advice, it can be done responsibly. If you’re considering co-signing—or want to explore safer alternatives—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through what to expect and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Your Guide to Successfully Navigating the Housing Market

By Shawn Dreger • September 15, 2026
Wondering If Now’s the Right Time to Buy a Home? Start With These Questions Instead. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, move into something bigger, downsize, or find that perfect place to retire, it’s normal to feel unsure—especially with all the noise in the news about the economy and the housing market. The truth is, even in the most stable times, predicting the “perfect” time to buy a home is incredibly hard. The market will always have its ups and downs, and the headlines will never give you the full story. So instead of trying to time the market, here’s a different approach: Focus on your personal readiness—because that’s what truly matters. Here are some key questions to reflect on that can help bring clarity: Would owning a home right now put me in a stronger financial position in the long run? Can I comfortably afford a mortgage while maintaining the lifestyle I want? Is my job or income stable enough to support a new home? Do I have enough saved for a down payment, closing costs, and a little buffer? How long do I plan to stay in the property? If I had to sell earlier than planned, would I be financially okay? Will buying a home now support my long-term goals? Am I ready because I want to buy, or because I feel pressure to act quickly? Am I hesitating because of market fears, or do I have legitimate concerns? These are personal questions, not market ones—and that’s the point. The economy might change tomorrow, but your answers today can guide you toward a decision that actually fits your life. Here’s How I Can Help Buying a home doesn’t have to be stressful when you have a plan and someone to guide you through it. If you want to explore your options, talk through your goals, or just get a better sense of what’s possible, I’m here to help. The best place to start? A mortgage pre-approval . It’s free, it doesn’t lock you into anything, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford—so you can move forward with confidence, whether that means buying now or waiting. You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re curious, let’s talk. Together, we can map out a homebuying plan that works for you.