(Photo: CPAC)

Questions for the federal Finance Minister about rising interest rates while she attends a Liberal cabinet retreat in Vancouver.

Rates rose for the fifth time this year and now stand at 3.25 percent.

Chrystia Freeland says it’s important for Canadians to put trust in the country’s fundamental governing institutions, “One of those fundamental institutions is the Bank of Canada. It’s not my job to do the bank’s job. I do think it’s important for Canadians to recognize that the bank has the mandate and the tools and the expertise to tackle inflation which is elevated today.”

The Cabinet retreat that is focussing on the economy will wrap up later on Thursday.

Freeland was also asked about steps that will be taken by the federal government to help Canadians with rising inflation rates, but she offered no specifics.

Reports say Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to hold an announcement this afternoon to unveil an affordability plan for Canadians.