News Room

Opportunity: Canadian Dollar Stabilizes, Somewhat

Things have started to turn around for the Canadian dollar in the second quarter of 2025. It hit a 22 year low in January of 2025. Investors and property owners, who have been swooning at the high burn rate in their travel plans and property maintenance abroad, may wish to consider recent more positive trends and consider some risk mitigation opportunities now that the dollar is stabilizing somewhat.  

Finance Canada Releases Ways and Means Motions

The Notice of Ways and Means Motion and Explanatory Notes for the tax provisions of the April 21, 2015 Federal Budget were tabled on May 4, and contain the detail required to set up family tax and wealth planning strategies for the 2015, 2016 and future tax years as envisioned in this document.   

Underground Economy Bigger Issue Than TFSA Tax Losses

It appears that tax cheaters are having a bigger effect on economic activity than tax free savers, when the cost of raising TFSA limits are contrasted with the cost of lost tax revenues due to the Underground Economy (UE).

CRA Wins as FCA Backs Down on Crown Costs Issue

Courts generally have the power to award costs against unsuccessful parties. These cost awards can be more severe depending on the conduct of the parties, and they are, therefore, a great way to dissuade frivolous litigation.

New Twist on Owner-Manager Compensation Planning

Financial Planners and Tax Specialists, together with Owner-Managers of Canadian Controlled Private Corporations (CCPCs) will need to review the compensation and retirement planning arrangements currently in place to ensure they are not eroded by recent federal tax changes. 

TFSA and RRSP: Collaborative Investing is Key

In deciding which of the two tax preferred investment vehicles should be used for various lifecycle purposes – the TFSA or the RRSP - advisors and their clients should carefully consider all the advantages of investing in and withdrawing from each vehicle.

Tax Efficient Transition Planning with RRIF Withdrawals

What should you do with your RRIF withdrawals once you’ve generated the tax with the funds?  
 
 
 
Knowledge Bureau Poll Question

Do you believe Canada’s tax system based, on self-assessment, has suffered under recent changes at CRA and by Finance Canada? If so, what is the one wish you have for tax reform?

  • Yes
    342 votes
    69.8%
  • No
    148 votes
    30.2%