Draft Legislation Released July 23, 2026

While Canadians were enjoying the height of summer 2026, Finance Canada released draft legislation for a number of previously announced tax measures including new rules for the disabled, apprentices in the trades, those with automobile benefits, farmers on the prairies and business owners buying assets or remitting GST/HST. A consultation has been issued on the proposed new rules, which must be emailed to the department by September 4.  There are some important changes, some summarized below, which will also be covered in the September 23 CE Summit.

Finance Minister Morneau today announced that his department will move forward with their goal to tax passive investment income earned within private corporations.  What’s becomes apparent from the minimal details released, is that not much has changed in the government’s intentions, since the measures were first floated on July 18, 2017.

By issuing shares in a small business to family members, it is possible to multiply the capital gains deduction available to the family. A similar strategy allows for the multiplication of the deduction for family farms or fishing operations.

“Just because you’re down to your last strike, you’re not out yet. You can always do more. You’ll always have more at-bats to take. That’s true in baseball, in rescuing animals, and in life, generally.” - Tony La Russa

On July 18, 2017, Finance Minister Bill Morneau released a series of tax proposals which, if enacted, will have severe repercussions on Canadian private family businesses and their shareholders. Tax and financial advisors need to be aware of these proposed changes and understand what impact they will have on their clients before year end. Knowledge Bureau is pleased to announce it has published a newly revised online certificate course in T2 tax preparation and planning to help advisors get up to speed on the impact of these tax reforms.

The average Canadian with debt could have to pay an additional $130 per month for debt repayment, as interest rates are anticipated to rise over the next year. Advisors can help clients adjust to these changes – but what is the best strategy?

No doubt about it:  leadership is challenging these days.  Whether you are raising a child, coaching someone else’s child, directing a team to reach a common goal, or leading your clients towards their financial goals and objectives, the skills you need to navigate change – a leader’s, primary role – are themselves changing.  Your business and career growth, in fact, may depend on your ability to embrace new leadership requirements.