Interest rates could rise, Public consultation on minimum wage, And data charges go up

Bill Kelly Show

Would a raise in interest rates put Canadians into the red? With the Bank of Canada set to raise lending rates, mortgage holders are worried but so are other borrowers. How would raising interest rates affect the Canadian economy?

Guest: Marvin Ryder. Business Professor, DeGroote School of Business, McMaster University

The Ontario Liberals are seeking public input on the proposed $15/hour increase to minimum wage by January, 2018. The move is feared by businesses but is supported by prominent economists. What impact would raising the minimum wage have on Ontario’s economy?

Guest: Richard Koroscil, Ontario Chamber of Commerce Board Member

Rogers and Bell are hiking data overage fees at a time when Canadians are thirsting for more wireless data. Rogers is raising their overage charge 40%, from $5 to $7 for 100 megabytes. A full gigabyte now costs $70, up from $50. The hikes are blamed on a lack of competition in the Canadian wireless market. Is it time for unlimited plans to hit the market?

Guest: Adam Oldfield. President & CEO, FPM3 Marketing