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September 21, 2019
Canada has several tools to regulate its domestic market, including national monetary policy. A key element of this policy is the policy interest rate, which the Bank of Canada uses to promote economic growth and control inflation.
Understanding what this policy interest rate represents is essential. Additionally, the rate has varied significantly over the past two decades, so it’s essential to question the factors that determine these fluctuations. Finally, what is the impact of the policy interest rate on the economy and household finances? This article answers these questions and traces Canada’s policy interest rate evolution since 2003.
Understanding the Policy Interest Rate in Canada
Some professionals will mention the target for the overnight rate, while others will refer to the policy interest rate. Despite the different terms, they refer to the same thing: the interest rate at which the government lends money to commercial banks through the Bank of Canada. The policy interest rate is the government’s primary tool to control inflation.
When the economy progresses too quickly, there is a risk of rising inflation. To slow this growth, the policy interest rate is increased. This leads businesses and individuals to pay higher interest on their loans. The effect of such a measure is to discourage borrowing and reduce spending to curb inflation. When interest rates are raised, individuals tend to spend less and save more, which slows down the economy.
Conversely, if the government notices that the economy is struggling to grow or declining, it can address this by lowering the policy interest rate. This, in turn, lowers other interest rates within the economy. Lower interest rates result in individuals spending more and taking out more loans, thus stimulating the economy.
The Bank of Canada, Canada’s central bank and a Crown corporation established in 1934, determines the policy interest rate. It uses the overnight rate target, or policy interest rate, to keep inflation around the target value of 2%.
The Rate's Evolution Over the Last 20 Years
Dates
Variation
Policy interest rate
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
-0,25
4,25
Wednesday, July 24, 2024
-0,25
4,50
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
-0,25
4,75
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
–
5
Wednesday, October 25, 2023
–
5
Wednesday, September 6, 2023
–
5
Thursday, July 13, 2023
+0,25
5
Thursday, June 8, 2023
+0,25
4,75
Thursday, January 26, 2023
+0,25
4,5
Thursday, December 8, 2022
+0,5
4,25
Thursday, October 27, 2022
+0,5
3,25
Thursday, July 14, 2022
+1
2,5
Thursday, June 2, 2022
+0,5
1,5
Thursday, April 14, 2022
+0,5
1
Thursday, March 3, 2022
+0,25
0,5
Friday, March 27, 2020
-0,5
0,25
Monday, March 16, 2020
-0,5
0,75
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
-0,5
1,25
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
+0,25
1,75
Wednesday, July 11, 2018
+0,25
1,5
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
+0,25
1,25
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
+0,25
1
Wednesday, July 12, 2017
+0,25
0,75
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
-0,25
0,5
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
-0,25
0,75
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
+0,25
1
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
+0,25
0,75
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
+0,25
0,5
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
-0,25
0,25
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
-0,5
0,5
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
-0,5
1
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
-0,75
1,5
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
-0,25
2,25
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
-0,5
2,5
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
-0,5
3
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
-0,5
3,5
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
-0,25
4
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
-0,25
4,25
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
+0,25
4,5
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
+0,25
4,25
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
+0,25
4
Tuesday, March 7, 2006
+0,25
3,75
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
+0,25
3,5
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
+0,25
3,25
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
+0,25
3
Wednesday, September 7, 2005
+0,25
2,75
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
+0,25
2,5
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
+0,25
2,25
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
-0,25
2
Tuesday, March 2, 2004
-0,25
2,25
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
-0,25
2,5
What is the current policy interest rate in Canada?
The Bank of Canada’s policy interest rate is 5% as of October 27, 2023. It may have changed by the time you read this article.
What is the difference between the policy interest rate and interest rates?
The Bank of Canada sets the policy interest rate for its transactions with commercial banks. Individuals and businesses do not have access to this market. Interest rates, on the other hand, are set on loans granted by banks and other financial institutions. To avoid losing money, they must take the current policy interest rate into account, among other factors.
When will the next policy interest rate be set?
The Bank of Canada’s next policy interest rate will be set on January 24, 2024, during its first meeting of the year. The new rate will take effect on January 25. It’s important to note that the Bank of Canada meets eight times yearly: on January 24, March 8, April 12, June 7, July 12, September 6, October 25, and December 6.
You can follow the schedule of these events on the Bank of Canada’s website.
Conclusion
The policy interest rate is a powerful tool for regulating the economy and maintaining Canadians’ purchasing power. Depending on the needs of the Canadian economy, it helps to contain inflation or stimulate growth.
Mathieu Lebrun’s Team
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