*MENDES: CPI BELOW 2% WOULD HARM ECONOMY, INFLATION EXPECTATIONS

*MENDES DEFENDS PAST BOC RATE HIKES, EXPLAINS WHY 2% TARGET KEY

*BOC: ANCHORED CPI EXPECTATIONS PREVENTED LONG INFLATION BATTLE

*BANK OF CANADA’S RHYS MENDES SPEAKS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

*MENDES: BOC RATE HIKES WERE CENTRAL TO RESTORING LOW INFLATION

*MENDES: BOC MUST ‘STICK LANDING,’ ENSURE CPI STABILIZES AT 2%

*BOC’s Mendes: Timing, Pace of Cuts Hinges on Incoming Data

*BOC’s Mendes: ‘Reasonable’ to Expect Further Rate Cuts

*BOC’s Mendes Comments Based on Prepared Remarks for Speech

*BOC’s Mendes: Will Look Closely at GDP, Labor Data Before Dec. 11 Decision

*Bank of Canada Dep. Gov. Mendes: ‘No Longer Need’ Restrictive Interest Rates