May 8, 2023
Find background information about the Bank and how we fulfill our mandate.
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result(s)
February 24, 2023
At the Bank of Canada, we assessed the life cycle of bank notes to confirm that polymer notes have a smaller environmental footprint than paper notes. Polymer notes have a longer life and then are recycled.
The lifespan of a bank note
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Bank notes
February 14, 2023
The Bank of Canada’s balance sheet reflects the unique role it plays as Canada’s central bank. It is different from the balance sheets of other financial institutions—the assets and liabilities on the Bank’s balance sheet are intended to support its core functions rather than to generate profit.
About the Bank’s interest earnings
Content Type(s):
Background materials
September 28, 2022
The Bank of Canada thanks the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for undertaking its thorough and thoughtful pilot review of the Bank under the new Central Bank Transparency Code (CBTC). We welcome the publication of this final review report by the IMF Mission Team and the associated recommendations.
Bank of Canada response to detailed review report
Content Type(s):
Background materials
May 24, 2022
This document provides an overview of Lynx—Canada’s high-value payment system—and summarizes the system’s design. It explains the development and purpose of Lynx as well as the legal and regulatory framework governing its operation. It also describes the various settlement mechanisms and processes Lynx uses to allow system participants to meet their diverse payment needs while ensuring that risks that arise in the system are managed appropriately.
An Overview of Lynx, Canada’s High-Value Payment System
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Payment clearing and settlement systems
April 4, 2022
Firms participating in the Business Outlook Survey (BOS) are asked several questions about labour markets. One such question is whether they expect wage growth to increase or decrease over the next 12 months. The responses to this question, combined with related confidential comments, give a picture of the state of wage pressures in the economy. This, along with wage data and several labour market indicators, inform the Bank about labour market conditions.
Backgrounder on the Business Outlook Survey question on firms’ average expected wage increase
Content Type(s):
Background materials
December 13, 2021
Commentary and technical data relating to the 2021 renewal.
Monetary Policy Framework Renewal (December 2021)
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Monetary policy
October 13, 2021
We’re taking steps to better understand the impacts of climate change on the economy and to reduce our environmental footprint.
Climate change and the Bank of Canada
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Climate change
September 10, 2021
At the Bank of Canada, our balance sheet reflects the unique role we play as Canada’s central bank. Get an overview of how it’s used to acquire assets and support our core functions, and learn about the types of assets and liabilities we hold.
About the Bank of Canada’s balance sheet
Content Type(s):
Background materials
January 11, 2021
Every quarter, the Bank of Canada surveys about 100 firms and publishes the resulting narrative and related data in the Business Outlook Survey (BOS). Firms are asked to participate based on several criteria—most importantly, their region, sector and size.
Backgrounder on Business Outlook Survey data by region, sector and firm size
Content Type(s):
Background materials
January 1, 2021
Find out what “legal tender” means, why legal tender status changes, and how to redeem older bank notes.
About legal tender
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Bank notes
October 19, 2020
Starting with the 2020 autumn survey, the results from a question on labour cost growth are being included in the Business Outlook Survey. This document describes the question and presents the correlations between the responses and various measures of wages and employment.
Backgrounder on the Business Outlook Survey question on wage growth
Content Type(s):
Background materials
October 1, 2020
Learn about the publication of, and calculation methodology for, the foreign exchange (FX) rate data on the Bank of Canada’s website.
Background information on foreign exchange rates
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Exchange rates
February 25, 2020
This background note explains the Bank’s official position on CBDC. It outlines the public policy, design, technology and risk management issues the Bank is considering as it builds its capacity to issue a CBDC in case it is needed in the future.
Contingency planning for a central bank digital currency
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Digital currencies and fintech
November 13, 2019
The Bank of Canada regularly reviews its Framework for Market Operations and Liquidity Provision to ensure it remains in line with the evolution of the Canadian financial system.
Information on the Standing Term Liquidity Facility
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Source(s):
Standing Term Liquidity Facility
October 16, 2017
Since the 2016 summer survey, the results from a question on future sales indicators (FSI) have been included in the Business Outlook Survey (BOS). This backgrounder briefly describes the question and presents the correlations between the responses and various measures of business activity.
Backgrounder on the Business Outlook Survey Question on Future Sales Indicators
Content Type(s):
Background materials
October 24, 2016
Commentary and technical data relating to the 2016 target renewal.
Renewal of the Inflation-Control Target (October 2016)
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Monetary policy
December 8, 2015
This document outlines a series of monetary policy measures that could be deployed in a very low interest rate environment.
Framework for Conducting Monetary Policy at Low Interest Rates
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Monetary policy
April 6, 2015
Starting with the 2015 spring survey, the results from a question on the intensity of labour shortages are being included in the Business Outlook Survey (BOS). This backgrounder briefly describes the question and presents the correlations between the responses and various measures of pressures on production capacity and labour market conditions.
Backgrounder on the Question in the Business Outlook Survey Concerning the Intensity of Labour Shortages
Content Type(s):
Background materials
November 7, 2011
Commentary and technical data relating to the 2011 target renewal.
Renewal of the Inflation-Control Target (November 2011)
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Monetary policy
January 14, 2008
Starting with the winter 2007–08 survey, the results of two additional questions became included in the Business Outlook Survey (BOS) publication: the balance of opinion on past sales and the balance of opinion on credit conditions. This backgrounder briefly describes the two questions and presents the correlations between the responses and relevant economic data.
Backgrounder on Questions in the Business Outlook Survey Concerning Past Sales and Credit Conditions
Content Type(s):
Background materials
November 1, 2006
Commentary and technical data relating to the 2006 target renewal.
Renewal of the Inflation-Control Target (November 2006)
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Monetary policy
March 1, 2006
A Primer on Canada’s Large Value Transfer System
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of Canada’s Large Value Transfer System (LVTS).
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Payment clearing and settlement systems
May 1, 2001
Commentary relating to the 2001 target renewal.
Renewal of the Inflation-Control Target (May 2001)
Content Type(s):
Background materials
Topic(s):
Inflation and prices,
Monetary policy