Immediate Expensing Rules: Good Tax Policy?

Over the course of the last two federal budgets (April 16, 2024 and November 4, 2025), the rules for claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) have been uncertain. The proposal to extend immediate expensing rules for certain acquired assets were paused for over a year and then re-introduced in a series of four complex measures which together with new rules for Scientific Research and Experimental Development have become known as the “Productivity Super-Deduction”.  A backdrop appears below. The key question: will this complexity be effective as an economic stimulator?   

Budget 2018 proposed a new five-week Employment Insurance (EI) Parental Sharing Benefit that will be available as a “use it or lose it” benefit top-up when both parents agree to share parental leave, starting March 17, 2019. Now Finance Canada offers further details with Bill C-86 on how the program will work to benefit Canadians.

According to recent tax filing statistics, charitable giving has been on the decline in Canada – except in Manitoba! But that doesn’t mean that generosity ceases to exist. Philanthropic investment trends are changing, and people are giving back in new and different ways. That provides an important opportunity for advisors to help clients with a philanthropic conversation, while deepening their own professional fulfillment.

Against the backdrop of high interest rates, complex tax changes and an economic climate that’s increasingly volatile, Knowledge Bureau has given professionals in the tax and financial services industry more tools to cope with their clients’ questions. With seven newly updated tax courses launching November 1, it’s an opportunity to enhance your education before year-end.

Michael Sunday Akpan of Akpan Corporation in Orleans, Ontario, graduated from the DFA – Bookkeeping Services Specialist Program and enthusiastically shared how this education has helped him reach new goals in his business: “I am successful because I have a vision for a better life. I have the power to do something incredible!”

Two important economic reports were released in Canada on October 19 and October 23. The former, by the Finance Department has raised eyebrows for its tax and spending increases. The second, from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer, has warned about the effect of negative trade actions on Canada’s GDP.

Exactly what is the effect of high taxation on long-term economic growth in a country in which an aging population has limited capacity to pay more tax? It’s an important consideration in light of Finance Canada’s annual report, released on Friday October 19 and this week’s PBO Report.