Time’s Up: CRA’s 100 Day Mandate for Improvement

After years of frustration on the part of tax professionals and taxpayers alike, the Finance Minister ordered the Canada Revenue Agency to clean up its act in 100 days. Specifically, the improvement plan was to run from September 2 through December 11. Finance Minister and Minister of National Revenue, Francoise-Phillippe Champagne instructed CRA to fix “unacceptable wait times and service delays.” Time’s up this week and CRA has released an update on progress. What gets measured, gets done. Let’s see what CRA’s metrics show. 

Finance Canada announced on October 7 that Canada’s federal budgets will be brought down in the fall starting with the November 4, 2025 event; a significant departure from the spring schedule (February, March or April) that has been the cycle for several decades. This is going to affect many other events as we know them, and in the annual government spending approval cycle. There will also be a new budget process for capital vs. operational expenses. Here’s what you need to know:

“I’m proud to pay taxes but I could be just as proud for half the amount.” This quote from 1950’s American broadcaster Arthur Godfrey, highlights the classic government dilemma, currently the subject of a U.S. government shutdown that threatens the jobs of thousands of government workers: who pays for the debt government spending compounds? It’s a question Canadians will grapple with as well, as the November 4 Federal Budget approaches with. At issue? The wisdom of this 14% solution.      

Buying that first home is difficult but there is some good news. Recently costs of both homeownership and renting have dropped and interest rates are at a decent rate of around 4% in the month of October.  There is also an excellent tax-assisted savings plan available to first time homebuyers – the FHSA – but here’s a problem:  its importance is not being well communicated.  This is where tax and financial professionals can help with some year end tax planning. 

The New Federal Budget is being tabled on November 4. Fortunately full analysis will be available the next day for tax and financial professionals at the November 5, 2025 CE Savvy Summit. Register now: this live virtual event, Year-End Tax Planning for Investors and Business Owners, delivers timely analysis alongside practical strategies for optimizing 2025 year-end results.

The Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors isn’t just about education. it’s about connection. Alongside world-class keynotes and CE sessions, delegates will enjoy an outstanding line-up of networking experiences designed to celebrate excellence and build lasting professional relationships in an unforgettable setting.

In a profession where knowledge quickly evolves and client needs never stop, financial advisors need education that is practical, flexible, and credible. That’s exactly what CE Master Micro-Credentials deliver.