Canada’s real estate market could face renewed pressure if the Bank of Canada raises interest rates, with mortgage and lending experts warning that higher borrowing costs could discourage homebuyers and push house prices lower. The central bank has not raised interest rates since July 2023. While it is expected to keep its benchmark rate unchanged for an eighth consecutive decision, many economists and traders believe rate hikes could be on the horizon as policymakers seek to contain inflation. The Bank of Canada’s policy rate has remained at 2.25% since a 0.25-percentage-point cut in Octo

A former Surrey massage therapist is scheduled to be sentenced on November 12 after being found guilty of 12 counts of sexual assault. Following a 35-day trial at the B.C. Supreme Court in New Westminster, Justice Lance Bernard found Leonard Krekic guilty in 12 separate cases. The incidents occurred between December 30, 1994, and April 25, 2017, at a clinic in Surrey and the surrounding area. In December 2022, the College of Massage Therapists banned Krekic from practising for 25 years and imposed a fine of more than $105,000. Under Canadian law, sexual assault convictions can carry a maximum

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith will answer media questions about the referendum at 11:30 a.m. today. The announcement comes after her televised address, in which she promised not to hold another referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada during her time as premier. It will be the first opportunity for reporters to question Smith since Alberta voters chose to remain in Canada on Monday. In her address on Tuesday evening, Smith said the result gave her government a clear mandate to work for Alberta’s future within Confederation. She urged Albertans to move forward together while reaffirm

Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa has announced that he will seek Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s resignation during the upcoming Assembly session over the murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota. Bajwa accused the Punjab government of failing to maintain law and order, saying the incident in Mansa had exposed the state’s deteriorating security situation. He alleged that the government had failed to ensure the safety of its people. Bajwa visited a protest organised by the Parvinder Singh Jhota Justice Committee in Mansa on Wednesday. He met Jhota’s family, expressed his condolences a

The rising cost of living in Canada is forcing more people to rely on food banks, with usage reaching an all-time high. According to Food Banks Canada’s 2026 HungerCount report, a record 2.35 million visits were recorded in March alone. The annual report shows that food bank visits increased by nearly 9 per cent compared with last year and by more than 117 per cent since 2019. It also found that one in five food bank users is employed. Food Banks Canada CEO Kirstin Beardsley said many people who were previously able to manage small financial setbacks are now struggling to make ends meet. She

The chances of Canada and the United States reaching a trade deal before the U.S. midterm elections on November 3 have effectively faded. Canadian government officials have reportedly told industry groups in recent weeks that no resolution is expected before the elections, as the White House remains focused on campaigning. Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc also confirmed in an interview that the federal government is not expecting a deal before the midterms. However, he said he remains in regular contact with his U.S. counterpart and assured that Canada will continue exploring opportunit

Vancouver Mayor-elect Pete Fry has publicly endorsed B.C. Green Party Leader Emily Lowan, joining her on the campaign trail in the Saanich-Gulf Islands riding to canvass for votes and show his support at a rally in Sidney. Fry previously appeared alongside B.C. NDP Leader David Eby at a pro-Canada rally in Vancouver on Monday, ahead of Alberta’s referendum. He described the situation as somewhat awkward, clarifying that he attended to support a united Canada, not to campaign for Eby or the NDP. Fry’s endorsement comes after Eby urged Green voters to support the NDP to prevent a Conservativ

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has ruled out holding another referendum on separation, telling residents she will respect the province’s latest decision. In an address to Albertans last night, Smith said that as long as she remains premier, she will fully respect the outcome of the recent referendum and will not hold another vote on the issue. However, she made it clear that her political battle with Ottawa over Alberta’s autonomy will continue, despite the separation process being put on hold. Other referendum proposals, including demands for greater provincial control over immigration an

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will depart this evening for a three-day visit to Turkey. During the trip, Carney will meet Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara and business leaders in Istanbul. This marks the first bilateral visit to Turkey by a Canadian prime minister. Carney’s visit comes amid growing concerns over human rights in Turkey, where LGBTQ and HIV advocacy organizations are reportedly facing systematic targeting. Members of Turkey’s LGBTQ community are said to be living in fear following violent police actions earlier this week. According to senior federal of