The Bank of Canada left its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 0.25%

The Committee added that they will continue to purchase at least CAD 5 billion in Government of Canada securities per week in the secondary market; they will increase the level of purchases as required to maintain proper functioning of the government bond market and they will temporarily raise the amount of Treasury Bills it acquires.

Policymakers also announced a new Provincial Bond Purchase Program of up to CAD 50 billion; and a Corporate Bond Purchase Program, in which the Bank will acquire up to a total of CAD 10 billion in investment grade corporate bonds in the secondary market.

The Bank is also enhancing its term repo facility to permit funding for up to 24 months.