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Finance Canada announced on October 7 that Canada’s federal budgets will be brought down in the fall starting with the November 4, 2025 event; a significant departure from the spring schedule (February, March or April) that has been the cycle for several decades. This is going to affect many other events as we know them, and in the annual government spending approval cycle. There will also be a new budget process for capital vs. operational expenses. Here’s what you need to know:
“I’m proud to pay taxes but I could be just as proud for half the amount.” This quote from 1950’s American broadcaster Arthur Godfrey, highlights the classic government dilemma, currently the subject of a U.S. government shutdown that threatens the jobs of thousands of government workers: who pays for the debt government spending compounds? It’s a question Canadians will grapple with as well, as the November 4 Federal Budget approaches with. At issue? The wisdom of this 14% solution.
Buying that first home is difficult but there is some good news. Recently costs of both homeownership and renting have dropped and interest rates are at a decent rate of around 4% in the month of October. There is also an excellent tax-assisted savings plan available to first time homebuyers – the FHSA – but here’s a problem: its importance is not being well communicated. This is where tax and financial professionals can help with some year end tax planning.
The New Federal Budget is being tabled on November 4. Fortunately full analysis will be available the next day for tax and financial professionals at the November 5, 2025 CE Savvy Summit. Register now: this live virtual event, Year-End Tax Planning for Investors and Business Owners, delivers timely analysis alongside practical strategies for optimizing 2025 year-end results.
Last month the sad story of an Ontario family who suddenly lost both parents in 2024 was shared in Burlington Today. The tax outcomes were just as shocking as the two deaths from unrelated causes. There was a cottage, a large RRSP and a big tax bill. Some of the outcomes could have been mitigated with some planning. I sat down with CTV’s Pat Foran to discuss the outcomes – with a message important to family planning.