The Importance of Provincial Budgets: Elbows Up and No Bracket Creep!

Some of the right things are happening in Nova Scotia, from the perspective of improving standards of living in that province.  And that’s important news because according to the Fraser Institute, Canadians have suffered the worst five-year decline in their standard of living over the 2020-to-2024 period since the Great Depression.  It notes, our Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person decreased by 2.0% (0.4% annually) ; this despite aggregate GDP growth of 1.5% over the period.  Further, all ten provinces are experiencing stagnation, which is unique in our history.  So what’s the good news in Nova Scotia, at this critical juncture?

The Department of Finance released draft legislation for public comment on the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA) first announced in Budget 2022. The scheduled effective date is January 1, 2023; however, it will likely be little later in the year before firms start offering the option to clients.

CRA has just announced increases in the CPP and EI premiums – statutory deductions – that will be payable by employers and employees in 2023.  In the case of EI (Employment Insurance), the rates had been frozen for two years; but now, with both plans becoming more expensive, these taxes on labor will shrink both take home pay for workers and cash flow for employers in an inflationary winter.

Knowledge Bureau Report asked pros across the country whether the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) or the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is the better savings vehicle for home buyers.  The vote was close. 

Annual dinner and announcement of 2022 Designates and Graduates with Dr. Dean Smith on Sunday Oct 16 at DAC Acuity 2022, plus a session on Monday led by Dr. Smith covering tax planning and compliance with a focus on ex-pats.

Check out your official transcripts in the Graduate Lounge.  Why?  Find out if you qualify for new Specialized Credentials, re-certification options and most important - Early Bird Tuition Reductions for the fall term October to December 15. 

For taxpayers who filed a 2021 tax return in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba or Ontario a second Climate Action Incentive Payment (CAIP) will be in your bank account on October 14.  Those who did not file a tax return yet, should get on it, as the CRA is not paying interest if you are claiming these rebates late.