News Room

Fall Federal Budget: Will Spending Be Cut?

Canada has historically presented an annual budget since Confederation in 1867, even through periods like World Wars and the Great Depression, but we have recently experienced the longest period without a full federal budget in our history. By the time the next one is brought down, expected in October 2025, it will have been 18 months since the controversial April 2024 budget which introduced the doomed capital gains inclusion rate hikes. What can we expect?

Eldercare: Adjusting for The High Cost of Financial Comfort

How much income do Canadians think they need annually to lead a comfortable life and how realistic is it? According to a poll by Edward Jones, it’s a figure that’s over $250,000—one that could grow as interest rates and the needs of the elderly continue to rise. It’s a topic that created a vibrant conversation at the Distinguished Advisor Conference which concluded yesterday in Quebec City.

Legalized Marijuana May Present New Business Liabilities

Cannabis problems at work? It’s one grey area that remains following Canada’s recent marijuana legalization, and employers need to know their obligations with regard to accommodating employees with addictions. Lawyer Philippe Richer weighs in on this important employment issue, which he says is the single largest area of potential liability for businesses.

Take Up Rate for Canada’s Federal Benefits is Extremely Low

New data shows just how many Canadians lack access to federal benefits they’re eligible to receive. This was a topic of discussion with Pierre Labbee, an outreach manager for the Canada Education Savings Program at the recent Distinguished Advisor Conference. But now an annual benefit review of the Canada Child Benefit reveals that this benefit in particular is underused, despite it being accessible to millions, and one of the reasons is a difficult relationship with the CRA.

Highlights of the 15th Annual Distinguished Advisor Conference

Knowledge Bureau celebrated a joyous 15th anniversary with 150 delegates as part of an outstanding program of topics and inspirational messages by all the gifted speakers at the Distinguished Advisor Conference in Quebec City. If you missed out, here are some highlights to inspire you to attend next year’s hot conference in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, November 10-13.

Delegates Rave About the Business Builder Retreat

The first Business Builder Retreat hosted by Knowledge Bureau was a resounding success, according to attendees intent on rejuvenation and leadership skill development at this exclusive Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC) event.

Lack of Risk Management Understanding Creates Opportunity

The markets have been experiencing more volatility lately and Knowledge Bureau Report’s October poll has uncovered an important opportunity for wealth advisors within the fray. The majority, 89.01 percent of respondants, told us that Canadians don’t understand their capacity for risk-taking – which is measurable - and this affects their level of risk tolerance when markets fluctuate.
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

On September 2, Finance Minister Champagne mandated CRA to implement a 100-day plan to “strengthen services, improve access, and reduce delays.” That’s by December 11, 2025. Do you believe this approach will help?

  • Yes
    7 votes
    28%
  • No
    18 votes
    72%