News
What changed, and what it changes.
Rate decisions, contribution limits and rule changes that move the arithmetic on this site. Reported after the fact rather than as it happens — this is not anyone's first alert, and every item carries the source you can check it against.
National Bank pays increased dividend of $1.32 a share
The higher quarterly payment, announced in May, reached shareholders on 1 August. It is an increase of eight cents on the previous $1.24.
Source: National Bank of Canada — press release, 27 May 2026
Bank of Canada holds policy rate at 2.25% for a sixth consecutive decision
The target for the overnight rate has not moved since October 2025. Governing Council said the hold balances the risks as economic growth resumes.
Source: Bank of Canada — press release, 15 July 2026
Royal Bank raises dividend 7% as four banks lift payouts
RBC declared a quarterly dividend of $1.76 a share, up 12 cents, reporting second-quarter net income of $5.5 billion. Three other large Canadian banks raised in the same week.
Source: Royal Bank of Canada — second quarter 2026 results
Lowest federal personal income tax rate falls to 14%
The bottom bracket rate dropped from 15%, reaching 14% for 2026 after a blended 14.5% in 2025. Because non-refundable credits are valued at that rate, their worth falls with it.
Source: Department of Finance Canada — report on the impact on non-refundable tax credits
RRSP limit rises to $33,810 for 2026; TFSA holds at $7,000
The RRSP dollar ceiling increased by $1,320. The TFSA annual limit was unchanged for a third consecutive year, taking cumulative room since 2009 to $109,000.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency — savings and pension plan limits
CIBC raises quarterly dividend 10 cents to $1.07
The increase, declared for the quarter ending 31 January 2026, followed three consecutive quarters at 97 cents a share.
Source: Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce — Form 6-K, FY2025
Government cancels the capital gains inclusion rate increase
The proposed rise from one half to two thirds, deferred to January 2026 and then abandoned, never took effect. The inclusion rate remains one half for individuals, corporations and trusts.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency — update on administration of the proposed changes
Budget 2024 proposes raising the capital gains inclusion rate
The federal budget proposed lifting the taxable share of a capital gain from one half to two thirds above $250,000 for individuals, effective 25 June 2024. It was deferred, then cancelled, and never took effect.
Source: Department of Finance Canada — deferral announcement
Bank of Canada begins cutting, first reduction since 2020
The policy rate came down to 4.75% from 5.00% in June 2024, ending a hold at the cycle peak and starting the easing that has since taken it to 2.25%.
Source: Bank of Canada — policy interest rate
TFSA limit rises to $6,500, then $7,000
The annual contribution limit increased in consecutive years for the first time since 2019, moving to $6,500 for 2023 and $7,000 for 2024 as inflation indexation pushed it through two rounding thresholds.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency — TFSA contributions
First Home Savings Account opens to Canadians
The FHSA became available on 1 April 2023, combining an RRSP-style deduction with TFSA-style tax-free withdrawals. More than 300,000 accounts were opened in its first eight months.
Source: Canada Revenue Agency — First Home Savings Account