The Bank of Canada today announced that it is maintaining its target for the overnight rate at 1/2 per cent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly 3/4 per cent and the deposit rate is 1/4 per cent.  These are the rates the banks and credit unionds pay to borrow from the Bank of Canada, which in turn influences the rates they charge the consumer.  This is good news for those seeking a new or refinanced mortgage, although banks could still raise rates for other reasons.  Time will tell.   Read the full report on the Bank of Canada web site:  http://www.bankofcanada.ca/2015/12/fad-press-release-2015-12-02/