New Tax Changes for Caregivers: Alberta Budget

Alberta Finance Minister Nater Horner delivered his second consecutive deficit budget on February 26. The deficit is large at $9.4 billion, which the government attributes largely to declining oil revenues. The document is called Fiscal Plan 2026-2029 meaning that this is a three-year fiscal pan, rather than the typical one-year projection.

“Do you believe the November 4 Federal Budget addressed the key financial issues your clients need to see from their Finance Department and the CRA?”  That’s the question we asked Knowledge Bureau Report readers last month.   Over 86% of the respondents said the government got it wrong.    Some comments about what was missing below.  Also, now’s the time to weigh in on the final poll question for 2025. 

Available Tomorrow!  The Special Report on the 2025 Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors (DAC) captures the key learning, insights, and highlights from the 2025 Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors in Puerto Vallarta. The reviews from delegates, like Jane’s below,  were amazing and so were the pictures, the gorgeous vistas and above all, the “A” game the outstanding speakers brought to their current and relevant topics!

A portion of fuel charge proceeds from the price on pollution was promised to eligible small and medium-sized businesses via the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses (CCRSB).  Now, the final payments for the 2024-2025 year will be coming before the end of 2025, in designated provinces. That announcement was made on November 14. Here’s what to expect:

Family businesses are at the heart of Canada’s economy, yet most won’t survive beyond the first or second generation: 70% of wealthy clients will lose their wealth in the first generation that inherits. Worse by the third generation, 90% of it will be gone.  When they fail, the impact extends far beyond the owners—employees, communities, and local economies all feel the loss. That’s why now is an ideal time to build your expertise in this area.  The good news:  you can learn more and earn CE Credentials with our limited-time 50% off Black Friday offer on the Advising Family Business course.

What’s new in year end tax planning? Getting back to basics when it comes to providing for disabled family members, specifically the use of a lucrative program, the Registered Disability Savings Plan, which has had poor pick-up since its inception in 2008. And that’s too bad, because the accompanying grants and bonds available from the federal government could make a huge difference, especially in estate planning with parents worried about leaving a vulnerable adjust. Here is what you need to know:  

The Acuity Conference for Distinguished Advisors is just days away, and we are once again thrilled to recognize Mandeep Singh Duggal – CEO of Pro Tax Block, and dedicated community builder - as our Title Sponsor. His story is not only remarkable, but emblematic of the resilience, grit, and entrepreneurial spirit that define so many of Canada’s most impactful entrepreneurs.