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S-239At second reading in the Senate

Law to Lower the Maximum Interest Rate on Loans

Lowering Loan Interest Rates

Introduced Feb 28, 2022·Last discussed Apr 20, 2023
Summary

This proposed law wants to change the rules about interest rates on loans. Right now, the law says lenders can't charge more than a certain amount of interest. This is to protect people from getting trapped in debt. This proposed law would change how that interest rate limit is calculated. It might lower the maximum interest rate that lenders can charge. This change would affect anyone who borrows money from lenders, like payday loan companies or other places that offer high-interest loans. It would also affect the lenders themselves. If the maximum interest rate is lowered, lenders might make less money on each loan. They might also be less willing to lend money to people who are considered high-risk borrowers. This matters because it could help people avoid getting stuck in cycles of debt. Lower interest rates mean people pay less overall for their loans. It could also mean that some people might not be able to get a loan at all, because lenders won't want to take the risk. It's a balancing act between protecting borrowers and making sure they can still access credit when they need it.

Where This Lands on Key Issues

Where this proposed law falls on the policy spectrums that Canadians care about

Housing & Cost of LivingGovernment housing investment

By potentially limiting high interest rates, the bill could make loans more affordable, impacting housing affordability and cost of living. This pushes it towards more intervention and regulation in the housing market.

Business & Worker RulesStrengthen worker protections

The bill impacts lending businesses by regulating interest rates. While it doesn't directly address worker rights, it does impose a constraint on business practices, moving it slightly toward prioritizing consumer protection.

This bill
Bill Quality
Solid

This proposed law lowers the criminal interest rate, which could protect people from predatory lenders. However, it relies on the Bank of Canada's overnight rate, which fluctuates, and it doesn't address other fees that lenders might charge.

Things to Watch For

  • The new rate is tied to the Bank of Canada's rate, so it could change unexpectedly.
  • Lenders might find new ways to add fees and charges that get around the interest rate limit.
  • The law doesn't say how it will be enforced or what the penalties are for breaking it.
Progress

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