By Josh Tagg, mortgage broker · Mortgages for Less with INDI Mortgage · Calgary, serving all of Alberta ·
On December 10, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate. During my conversation with Jay from the Edmonton Home Team, I explained how this affects variable-rate mortgages, lines of credit, and the prime rate. While many hoped for another rate cut, recent economic data has shifted expectations.
Why did the Bank of Canada leave its rate unchanged in December 2025?
Jay asked about the government’s decision, and I explained that markets had anticipated a possible cut, but,
“the market is no longer expecting any interest rate drops, and there’s actually some forecast that we’re going to see interest rate increases starting in mid-2026.”
The Bank’s statement was clear: the current policy rate is “at about the right level to keep inflation close to 2%.” For homebuyers, this means rates may stay steady unless the economy weakens.
Why aren’t the job numbers what they seem?
Canada added 180,000 jobs recently, but,
“93% of those are part-time jobs for 15 to 24-year-olds.”
Full-time jobs, which support mortgage qualification, actually declined. In my own words,
“good news is bad news and bad news is good news.”
The good news is that there are more jobs (albeit part-time ones) and that’s good news for people out of work. The bad news is that when job availability climbs, interest rates don’t drop. So if you’re struggling with your mortgage rate right now, don’t expect lower numbers just yet.
What does the rate hold mean for Edmonton homebuyers?
Jay said: “Depending on where you are in your home-buying or home-owner journey, whether the news is good or bad really depends.”
- Renewing in 2026? Lower rates help.
- Buying? Stable rates aid budgeting.
- Job hunting? Rates impact qualification.
As a mortgage broker, I guide you through these shifts and help you make confident decisions.
Why work with me?
I simplify the market, compare lenders, and break down Bank of Canada updates in plain language. Whether you’re new to Canada or a seasoned homeowner, I help you make smart choices. Contact me today.
If this video helped, like, comment, and subscribe on YouTube. Jay and I reply to every comment.
- Edmonton Home Team on YouTube
- Contact Jay at Lewis & Co Realty
How an Alberta mortgage broker helps when rates are on hold
A hold changes the questions worth asking. Here’s what a broker works through with you:
- Compare fixed and variable options across banks, monolines and alternative lenders, not one lender’s rate sheet.
- Set up a pre-approval with a rate hold so your budget is settled before you shop.
- Review a 2026 renewal early, so you see your options before the lender’s offer arrives.
- Check how your income and employment type will be read by a lender before you apply.
- Explain each Bank of Canada announcement in plain language and what it changes for your file.
- Find a lender when your own bank has said no.
Buying or renewing in Edmonton?
See what you qualify for at today’s rates, and what your options look like before your next decision.
Apply Online → Book a Discovery Call → Serving Calgary, Edmonton & all of Alberta · Mortgages for Less with INDI MortgageQuestions about the December 2025 rate hold
What did the Bank of Canada do on December 10, 2025?
Were more rate cuts expected after the December 2025 hold?
How does a Bank of Canada hold affect a variable-rate mortgage or line of credit?
Why didn’t the job numbers bring lower rates?
What did the hold mean for Edmonton homebuyers?
Where can I watch the full conversation?
This article was written in December 2025; interest rates, forecasts and market conditions have changed since then. It is general information for Alberta homebuyers and homeowners, not financial, mortgage, real estate or legal advice. Rates, products and qualification rules vary by lender and can change. Please speak with a licensed mortgage professional about your specific circumstances. Mortgages for Less with INDI Mortgage.
