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One-in-Three Canadians Expect Bank of Canada to Begin Interest Rate Cuts in June

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Two-thirds say lower interest rates will have a positive impact on their financial wellbeingNearly 40% have delayed a major purchase in the past year due to high interest rates; more than two-in-five plan a significant purchase once interest rates begin to declineTwo-in-five Canadian mortgage holders plan to refinance their home mortgage once interest rates begin to declineHalf of current renters, including seven-in-ten 18-34 year olds, believe lower rates will make it more likely that they buy a home in the future

TORONTO, May 30, 2024 /CNW/ – High interest rates have had a significant impact on the financial wellbeing of Canadians for over a year, with many calling for immediate rate cuts. While one-third (32%) of Canadians expect the Bank of Canada to begin dropping rates on June 5, even more (42%) believe there will not be a cut announced this time around.

According to the findings of the Dye & Durham’s Canadian Pulse Report for Q2 2024, a survey of more than 1,500 Canadians on trends in the economy, technology and real estate market conducted via the online Angus Reid Forum, two-thirds (65%) of Canadians say lower interest rates will make a meaningful, positive impact on their personal financial wellbeing. Nearly two-fifths (38%) have held off on making a major purchase in the past year due to high interest rates. Among the 42% who expect to make a major purchase once rates begin to decline, more than half (57%) intend to wait for significant cuts before spending on larger items.

“It’s clear that higher rates have done their job, cooling consumer spending significantly and helping to bring inflation down to much more manageable levels,” says Martha Vallance, Chief Operating Officer, Dye & Durham. “Consumers have said they’re ready to start spending again and are just waiting for the Bank of Canada to make its move, though few should expect rates to return to where they were before. Industries like real estate, automotive sales, construction and more – along with those industries that play critical roles in supporting them – should take note and prepare for a fast-moving market once meaningful cuts are made.”

Most Canadians say they believe lower interest rates will make it more affordable for them to purchase or put money towards expenses like mortgage costs (81%), the purchase price of a new home / property (70%), the sale price of an owned home / property (66%), home renovations (65%), and personal / emergency savings (58%) or RRSP / retirement savings (48%). For those that are already planning a major spend once rates begin to decline, the most common purchases are a new car (15%), a new home / primary residence (14% overall, 24% for renters) or a significant home renovation project (12%). 

High-rate mortgage renewals could lead to a wave of refinancing later this year
Many Canadian homeowners that have had to renew their mortgages in 2023 and 2024 have been stretched by the current high interest rate environment – with some seeing their monthly mortgage payments skyrocket by thousands of dollars. More than two-in-five (41%) of Canadians with a home mortgage say they plan to refinance once rates begin to decline with Albertans (58%) in particular seeing this as a way to reduce monthly expenses.

Renters are also closely monitoring the Bank of Canada’s decision, seeing lower interest rates as a glimmer of hope in their efforts to enter the housing market. Nearly three-in-five (57%) say lower rates will make it easier for them to buy a home in the future with nearly as many (50%) saying lower rates will make it more likely that they’ll be able to buy a home in the future.

For younger Canadians (18-34), a significant number say lower rates will make it easier to afford the purchase price of a new home (76%) and more likely (70%) that they will eventually be able to so.

The number of Canadians planning to sell their primary residence and move to a new one in the next twelve months has remained unchanged from Q1 2024 and Q4 2023 with 12% saying this is currently in their plans. However, slightly fewer (16%, down from 18% in Q1 2024) are planning to wait until sale prices increase before selling their house or property.

Consumer comfort with the use of AI in skilled services takes a hit in Q2
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to be top-of-mind with many Canadians. However, the number of consumers expressing discomfort with skilled service providers like doctors, lawyers, financial advisors and insurance brokers using AI increased over the past quarter.

Nearly two thirds (63%) say they are uncomfortable with doctors / medical providers and lawyers / notaries using AI to support/conduct their services, up from 62% and 61% respectively in Q1 2024. More than half also say the thought of investment, financial or tax advisors (58%), insurance brokers (55%), mortgage brokers (54%) and real estate agents / brokerages (52%) using AI makes them uncomfortable.

“It’s clear that there is still a very large education piece that skilled service providers need to be mindful of to help their customers get fully on board with AI,” says Scott Bleasdell, Chief Product Officer, Dye & Durham. “The average Canadian still wants to know that a human is involved in the process, even if AI is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. Transparency about how AI is and isn’t being used and the benefits it provides to the client will be critical in helping legal professionals and other skilled service providers foster widespread acceptance of AI use in their offerings.”

About the Survey
Conducted quarterly, the Dye & Durham Canadian Pulse Report is designed to uncover trends and insights into Canadian sentiment surrounding three key areas: the economy, technology and the real estate market. The findings of the report are the result of a survey conducted by Dye & Durham from May 7-9, 2024 among a nationally representative sample of n=1,516 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size has an estimated margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The survey was offered in both English and French.

About Dye & Durham Limited
Dye & Durham Limited provides premier practice management solutions empowering legal professionals every day, delivers vital data insights to support critical corporate transactions and enables the essential payments infrastructure trusted by government and financial institutions. The company has operations in Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and South Africa. Additional information can be found at www.dyedurham.com.

SOURCE Dye & Durham Limited

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DR PHONE FIX CHOSEN FINALIST FOR ‘CANADIAN SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS OF THE YEAR’ AWARD

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/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION IN THE USA/

EDMONTON, AB, May 27, 2025 /CNW/ – Dr. Phone Fix Canada Corporation (“Dr. Phone Fix” or “Company”)(TSXV: DPF) is pleased to announce it has been chosen a finalist for the ‘Canadian Sustainable Business of the Year’ award by a panel of judges for the Canadian SME Small Business Awards. 

Finalists receive a special recognition by Canada’s Minister for Small Business. The winner of the Canadian SME Small Business ‘green’ award will be announced at a black-tie gala on June 20th, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Dr. Phone Fix won a silver medal for ‘Sustainability Leadership in Canada and the US’ in Istanbul last year where the Company was recognized alongside top organizations in Canada and the United States. Dr. Phone Fix was also chosen a finalist by the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce for its 2024 ‘green award’. 

“Dr. Phone Fix aims to support e-waste reduction through its business operations and recycling initiatives,” says Dr. Phone Fix CEO Piyush Sawhney.

The Company works in collaboration with one of Canada’s top non-profit recyclers to reduce the number of mobile phones and batteries sent to landfill. Devices are processed, refurbished, updated, and tested to meet defined quality standards and then offered to customers at a reduced price point compared to new phones. Certified pre-owned phones come with the same one-year warranty manufacturers offer for new phones.

About Dr. Phone Fix

DPF is an award-winning, eco-friendly, customer-centric growth leader in Canada’s cell phone and electronics repair and pre-owned resale industry. Founded in 2019, DPF operates a nationwide network of 35 corporately owned cell phone and electronics repair stores. In addition to its repair services, DPF sells certified pre-owned devices and a wide selection of accessories. DPF has well established networks to acquire and resell a wide variety of used and refurbished electronic devices from certified vendors.

Dr. Phone Fix is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “DPF”

For more information visit: https://www.docphonefix.com

NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information can be identified by words such as: “intend”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “may”, “will” and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking information include, among others, the future plans of the Company, the expected trading date of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the TSXV, as well as information relating to the Company. Although the Company believes that, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements depending on, among other things, the risks (i) that the future plans of the Company may differ from those that currently are contemplated; and (ii) that the expected trading date of the Resulting Issuer Shares may change. Additional risks include those disclosed in the Filing Statement, which are incorporated herein by reference and are available through SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date hereof, and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements or information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Dr. Phone Fix

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CERTIFY Health and Aila Technologies team up with Brookline Dental Specialists to simplify patient experience

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The collaboration will help Brookline Dental Specialists modernize front desk operations and deliver a check-in experience aligned with today’s tech-forward patients.

BROOKLINE, Mass., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Brookline Dental Specialists, a modern dental practice known for its commitment to cutting-edge technology and personalized care, has partnered with CERTIFY Health and Aila Technologies to deliver a streamlined self-service check-in experience designed to meet the expectations of today’s digital-first patients. Through the integration of CERTIFY Health’s digital intake platform with Aila’s intuitive iOS-based kiosks, Brookline Dental Specialists has replaced traditional paper forms and front desk friction with a fast, user-friendly workflow. The result: reduced administrative burden, shorter wait times, and a more welcoming, efficient experience for patients and staff alike.

Meeting the Needs of the Modern Patient

With over 70% of its patients under the age of 35, Brookline Dental Specialists recognized the importance of aligning its front desk operations with the expectations of a younger, tech-savvy audience. “Adopting technology like this isn’t about replacing people—it’s about enhancing how we deliver care,” said Dr. Mariam Ghavamian, Orthodontist and Owner of Brookline Dental Specialists. “With a young, tech-native patient base, it’s important for us to meet them where they’re most comfortable. This system not only streamlines the process but helps us focus on what really matters—clinical care and patient relationships.”

The self-service check-in solution allows BDS’s front desk team to shift away from manual processes and instead prioritize more impactful patient interactions.

A Scalable Model for DSOs and Group Practices

“As more DSOs and group practices seek to modernize intake without losing the personal connection, our goal at CERTIFY is to make that transformation simple, scalable, and impactful. Brookline Dental is a great example of how the right technology can align operational efficiency with patient-first care,” said Kevon Kothari, CEO and President of CERTIFY Health.

“Digital transformation at scale has been a longstanding challenge for practices and DSOs—especially when legacy systems come with high costs, limited flexibility, and complex deployments,” said Matthew Kowalczyk, CTO of Aila Technologies. “By building on iOS and leveraging the iPad’s best-in-class cameras and processors, Aila delivers advanced vision-based automation that removes those barriers. We’re enabling DSOs to launch scalable, digital front door solutions that are fast to deploy, easy to manage, and powerful enough to support the evolving needs of modern dental practices.”

Looking Ahead

This collaboration reflects a growing commitment across healthcare to adopt modern, patient-focused solutions that are both scalable and sustainable.

Brookline Dental Specialists continues to lead by example by integrating forward-thinking solutions that support both operational excellence and patient satisfaction. Their approach offers a blueprint for other practices looking to modernize while maintaining a personalized touch. CERTIFY Health remains focused on being the go-to digital intake platform for healthcare providers—offering secure, compliant, and highly adaptable solutions that integrate easily with existing systems, simplify onboarding, and address the real-world pain points providers face daily.

Aila Technologies brings enterprise-grade, purpose-built hardware to the partnership, offering unmatched scanning capabilities, flexible configurations, and rapid deployment—ideal for healthcare providers seeking to modernize without complexity. Their commitment to partnering with leading software providers like CERTIFY Health enables practices to adopt modern solutions quickly and cost-effectively.

About Brookline Dental Specialists
Brookline Dental Specialists is a modern practice based in Brookline, MA, focused on delivering high-quality dental care enhanced by cutting-edge technology and personalized patient service.

About CERTIFY Health
CERTIFY Health provides secure, scalable, and user-friendly digital check-in and intake solutions for healthcare providers across the U.S., helping streamline front desk operations and elevate patient experiences.

About Aila Technologies
Aila Technologies powers vision-based automation with enterprise-grade hardware and mobile-ready scanning that transform patient intake and front desk workflows. Designed for seamless iOS integration and rapid deployment, Aila delivers intuitive self-service experiences without the cost or complexity of traditional systems—making it easier for healthcare providers to modernize at scale.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/certify-health-and-aila-technologies-team-up-with-brookline-dental-specialists-to-simplify-patient-experience-302466177.html

SOURCE CERTIFY Health

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DNA&STONE BOASTS “LOVING PET CARE IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD” IN NEW CAMPAIGN FOR ROVER

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Agency creates unique jingles in the voices of pets to promote safe and reliable pet sitters

SEATTLE, May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — DNA&STONE, the full-service agency that doesn’t flinch for brands who want to go there, today announced the launch of its latest creative campaign with Rover, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. The campaign, titled “To My Hooman” portrays fun animated stories that come from the perspective of pets who understand that while the sitters from Rover may not be their human, they are the next best thing.

Rover, who has been a long-time client of DNA&STONE, came to the agency looking for help to not only create awareness of the brand, but also build trust among pet owners looking for safe and reliable sitters. With the objective of winning the hearts of pet parents and sparking interest in Rover as a trusted solution for personalized and passionate care, DNA&STONE created a campaign that pulled at the heartstrings of these pet parents.

A continuation of its original launch in 2023, the “To My Hooman” campaign showcases animated stories from the perspective of pets. Each video highlights the joy, comfort and personalized care pets receive from their sitters on Rover, exemplifying how Rover has sitters who can meet the unique needs of each and every pet (and pet parent).

“As pet owners ourselves, we knew that trust would be the number one barrier to a person using Rover. Many of us would prefer for our pets to be in the loving arms of a family member or friend, but that isn’t always the reality and Rover is an excellent solution,” said Matt McCain, Founder, DNA&STONE. “We wanted to showcase that the pets in the care of Rover’s sitters are not only cared for, they are loved. That’s why we made these videos from the perspectives of the pets – to showcase how happy they can be with Rover sitters and how leaving them is just an opportunity to be loved in a different way.”

DNA&STONE created simple, animated videos that focus on the pets’ emotions – showcasing their perspectives and imagining what each pet sees and feels in these often hard moments. The agency used pet-friendly language and a young voiceover actor to capture the innocence and emotional intelligence of pets as they tell their parents it’s okay for them to leave because they love their pet sitter.

“At Rover, our north star has always been honoring the irreplaceable connection between pets and their people. While we know nothing can substitute that unique bond, we aspire to always be the very best next choice—your pet’s chosen companion when you can’t be there,” said Ashton Doyle, Senior Director, Brand, Rover. “DNA&STONE didn’t just capture this philosophy in this campaign; they translated it into a visual language that speaks directly to the hearts of pet parents everywhere.”

“To My Hooman” aims to target all pet owners, especially those located in or near urban hubs. The campaign will launch across the U.S. and in Canada and includes television (both broadcast and streaming) and social media buys.

Campaign Credits
Matt McCain/Michael Boychuk – Founders
Chrstine Wise – Strategist
Kat O’Hara – Senior Producer
Tiffany Stone – Creative Operations Manager
Alex Fitch – Business Director
Rob Scherzer – Composer

Maxwell Scherzer – Vocal Talent
John Buroker – HEARby Audio Engineer: Sound Design & Mix
Nannette Buroker – HEARby Executive Producer

Giant Ant:
Executive Producer, Giant Ant: Teresa Toews
Executive Creative Director, Giant Ant: Jay Grandin
Head of Character Animation, Giant Ant: Sitji Chou
Producers, Giant Ant: Melissa Buisán, Katie Colhoun
Creative Direction, Giant Ant: Sitji Chou
Illustration, Giant Ant: Sitji Chou, Ben Ommundson
Cel Animation, Giant Ant: Sitji Chou, Ben Ommundson

Rover:
Senior Director of Brand Marketing: Ashton Doyle
Channel Marketing Lead : McKinley Lovett
Sr. Creative Strategist: Annie Richards

About DNA&STONE
DNA&STONE is a full-service agency that doesn’t flinch—for brands that want to go there. We combine creative firepower with operational excellence so clients feel grounded enough to take real risks. Because breakthrough work only happens when you feel safe enough to push boundaries. We help you do the scary things safely. Clients include BECU, Amazon, Providence, MCU, and Ziply Fiber. To learn more about us, please visit. www.dnaandstone.com

About Rover
Founded in 2011 and based in Seattle, Washington, Rover is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover’s global footprint includes North America (US and Canada) and Europe, including the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway and now Denmark and Ireland. Rover connects pet parents with pet care providers who offer overnight services, including boarding and in-home pet sitting, as well as daytime services, including doggy daycare, dog walking, and drop-in visits.

Rover provides unrivaled tools and support to ensure pets’ safety, including access to its Trust and Safety support team. Every sitter on the platform has passed ID verification and is carefully screened by a member of our team. The Rover Guarantee can also reimburse eligible expenses up to $25,000 in reimbursement should a pet require veterinary care during a stay. Our Trust and Safety support team is available to assist with any issues. To learn more about Rover, please visit www.rover.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dnastone-boasts-loving-pet-care-in-your-neighborhood-in-new-campaign-for-rover-302466083.html

SOURCE DNA&STONE

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