Blog

September 13, 2024

Respecting Religious Practices: A Core Value for an Inclusive Society

A recent incident in Brampton, Ontario, has sparked concerns about the respect for religious practices in Canadian institutions. A Sikh senior was reportedly shaved against his will while in a Brampton hospital, a direct violation of one of Sikhism’s fundamental tenets—keeping uncut hair (kesh). This deeply unfortunate event not only hurt the individual but also underscored the urgent need for greater cultural and religious sensitivity across government institutions and public services.

Religious...

September 12, 2024

Air Canada Pilot Strike: What Passengers Can Do to Minimize Disruption

With a potential Air Canada pilot strike looming, travelers are facing uncertainty. The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), which represents over 5,000 pilots, is in negotiations with the airline over wage demands. If no agreement is reached, Air Canada could begin suspending operations, impacting tens of thousands of passengers. While this situation is stressful, there are several options for travelers to manage their plans.

Key Dates to Keep in Mind

• Sunday, September 15: Air Canada could start...

September 3, 2024

A three-minute read:

The Bank of Canada (BoC) made a significant announcement today, cutting its key interest rate target by 25 basis points, bringing it down to 4.25 percent. This move comes as welcome news for homebuyers who have been struggling under the burden of high mortgage rates in recent months. With inflation now at its lowest level since the BoC began its rate-hiking campaign, and within the Bank’s desired target of 2.5 percent, the decision signals a shift in the economic landscape that could have far-reaching implications for the Canadian housing market.

...

September 3, 2024

Navigating Ontario’s New School Cellphone Ban: A Closer Look

As the 2024-25 academic year begins in Ontario, a significant shift is taking place in classrooms across the province. The government has implemented a new cellphone ban aimed at reducing distractions and fostering a more focused learning environment. This change has sparked discussions among students, teachers, and parents alike about how the ban will be enforced and what it means for the educational experience.

The Rules: What’s Changing?

The new policy, effective September 1, 2024, applies to all students...

Aug 30, 2024

New Homes Builder License Revoked: A Cautionary Tale for New Home Buyers

In a significant move to protect consumers, the Home Construction Regulatory Authority (HCRA) has revoked the license of Mariman Homes, a Hamilton-based builder, effectively banning them from building and selling homes in Ontario. This decision comes after Mariman Homes was found guilty of numerous violations, including failing to enroll homes in Tarion's warranty program and allowing creditors to seek improper price increases from purchasers. The company also failed to hold deposits in trust, as required...

Aug 28, 2024

July 2024 GTA New Home Market Analysis: High Interest Rates Weigh Heavily on Condo Sales

The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) has released its July 2024 report on the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) new home market, revealing a continued cooling in sales, particularly in the condominium sector. High interest rates are taking a toll on the market, but with inflation now at its lowest in years, there is cautious optimism that further rate cuts by the Bank of Canada (BOC) could spur a revival in consumer confidence.

High Interest Rates and Their Impact

The...

Aug 20, 2024

Recent trends in Canada’s inflation and interest rates point to a favorable environment for prospective homebuyers. As of July, Canada’s annual inflation rate has cooled to 2.5%, the lowest since March 2021. This marks a steady decline from 2.7% in June and shows the economy is gradually stabilizing after years of heightened price pressures.

What This Means for Homebuyers

The decline in inflation is primarily attributed to lower prices for travel, passenger vehicles, and electricity. These trends indicate an easing in overall cost pressures, which can directly benefit the real...

Jul 24, 2024

Bank of Canada Cuts Key Interest Rate to 4.50%

On Wednesday, the Bank of Canada reduced its benchmark interest rate by a quarter of a percentage point, marking the second consecutive cut in the central bank’s ongoing easing cycle. This move lowers the policy rate to 4.5%, a decision anticipated by economists amid signs of cooling inflation and emerging economic weaknesses in the Canadian economy.

The Context Behind the Cut

The recent reduction is part of a broader strategy that began in June with an initial 25-basis-point cut. This series of rate cuts contrasts sharply with...

June 5, 2024

Bank of Canada Cuts Key Interest Rate to 4.75%

Here are key points from much awaited BOC rate cut announcement today:

- Key Announcement:

  - The Bank of Canada (BOC) has lowered its key interest rate to 4.75%.

  - This marks the first rate cut since March 2020.

- Reasoning Behind the Cut:

  - Inflation has moved closer to the BOC's target of 2%, currently at 2.7%.

  - Core measures of inflation have eased throughout the spring.

  - Recent GDP growth was weaker than expected, at 1.7% for Q1 2024.

- Economic Context:

  - The BOC's previous cycle involved aggressive...

April 13, 2024

Canada's Housing Plan: Addressing the Housing Crisis

Introduction:

- In a recent announcement from the Prime Minister's Office, the Canadian government has unveiled an ambitious plan to address the housing crisis across the country.

- The plan, titled "Solving the housing crisis: Canada's Housing Plan," aims to make housing more affordable and accessible for all Canadians, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, who are facing increasing challenges in finding affordable housing.

Key Points from the Announcement:

- Housing Affordability: The government recognizes the...