News

Given the extent of uncertainty in the world today, we are all naturally preoccupied with near-term issues and prospects. That's understandable. But, at the same time, it's critical that we look past the short-term to the longer-term trends and potential of our economy.

The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 2 3/4 per cent. The operating band for the overnight rate is unchanged, and the Bank Rate remains at 3 per cent.

The question before us sounds straightforward: "Should Canada adopt the U.S. dollar?" But the issues are complicated. I will not pretend that I can cover all the nuances of this topic in my allotted time. So I am running the risk that I may oversimplify matters.

Indeed, a strong research environment has long been a hallmark of the Bank. We also want to encourage research relevant to our business, especially with respect to monetary policy and financial system stability, at universities all across Canada.

Canada's economy has shown remarkable strength over the past two years, despite a number of unfavourable developments that originated mainly from abroad, Bank of Canada Governor David Dodge said today in a speech at the University of British Columbia. The adoption of inflation targets, the restoration of fiscal health, and the restructuring initiatives taken by businesses were all positive steps taken in the 1990s that have allowed the economy to better handle economic problems now, he said.