Red Ink on the Prairies
A day after Quebec’s Finance Minister Eric Girard brought down a Budget featuring a $6.3 Billion deficit, Saskatchewan’s Finance Minister Jim Reiter tabled his government’s budget on March 19. Next up was Finance Minister Adrian Salas, who tabled the Manitoba Budget on March 24. The common thread: there’s lots of red ink on the Prairies. But that’s where the budget documents differ between Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Here’s the latest tax news and why it matters to the advice you give your clients.Life Purpose
"I am grateful for the blessings of wealth, but it hasn't changed who I am. My feet are still on the ground. I'm just wearing better shoes.” - Oprah Winfrey
Big Tax Refund? Make Room to Plan Education Savings
The RESP may become a more important savings vehicle in 2017 now that the Education and Textbook Credits are playing out their swan song on the 2016 tax return. Remember, you can still claim tuition fees and transfer up to $5000 to supporting individuals, however, with the reduced tax benefits in 2017, a fresh look at the RESP is worthwhile.
CRA Starts Tracking Tax Cheats by Fingerprinting April 1, 2017
It’s no April Fool’s joke: fingerprints of convicted tax cheats will be recorded in the Canadian Police Information Database (CPID), and accessible by Canadian police and border guards as well as some foreign agencies including the US Homeland Security department starting April 1, 2017.
Federal and Provincial Budget Changes Begin
The federal government has announced that the 2017 federal budget will be delivered on March 22. However, this week, a change related to mineral tax credits was already announced; as well, some provinces are going ahead with their budget announcement dates; most recently Manitoba.
Spotlight on Canadian Financial Authors: Rick Atkinson
In Canada’s 150th year, Knowledge Bureau is pleased to put the spotlight on Canadian Financial Authors and celebrate Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change at DAC Nov 5-8 in Kelowna. This week: Rick Atkinson discusses: WHY SEASONALITY MATTERS WHEN YOU RETIRE
Distinguished Advisor Conference, Nov 5-8 in Kelowna: Financial Trivia Contest
Enter this month’s skill-testing financial trivia question to win a free registration to the DAC in Kelowna, where this year’s theme will be: CANADA 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.
