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?

How big will your tax refund be?

On January 15, the Finance Department released legislative proposals, which amongst other things, changed contentious provisions related to the taxation of certain trusts and estates. Reproduced with permission is the following analysis of the proposals from guest contributor and tax expert Kim Moody.

Canadians have responded enthusiastically to the federal government’s pre-budget consultations; tens of thousands of Canadians have shared their thoughts, the highest-ever turnout for pre-budget consultations on record according to Finance Canada. Suggestions provided by Knowledge Bureau follow. Have you added your voice? It’s easy to do it online at the link above.

When fewer, younger taxpayers must pay most of the taxes while looking after both the elderly and minors, it’s much more difficult for them to accumulate assets for their future, and get good returns on their investments in this environment of de-population.

It has become easier to raise money for private businesses in Canada. Securities regulators in five provinces—Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and New Brunswick—announced last week that they were adopting a prospectus exemption for issuers listed on a Canadian stock exchange. The opportunity: to raise money by distributing securities without the need for an expensive prescribed offering document.

The wealth management business of the past several years has been highlighted by great growth and profitable customers. According to new research from the US1, that’s about to change with 10 key disruptors on the horizon.