Knowledge Bureau Poll: Tax Cut Doesn’t Cut It!
The Notice of Ways and Means Motion was released on May 27, but the 1% tax rate cut going into effect on July 1, didn’t cut it with Knowledge Bureau Report readers who responded to our May Poll. A decisive 90% of respondents said “No” when asked: does the new government’s promise to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, (14.5% in 2025) go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs? Here were their comments and suggested alternatives based on real life experiences with the after-tax income their struggling clients are left with:Consumer Woes: New Surtax hits Cross-Border Shoppers, While Interest Rates Rise
Canadians spend anywhere from $4.7 to $8 Billion on cross-border shopping and if you spent the July long weekend looking for bargains in the U.S. you may have had an unpleasant surprise: despite the loonie holding some ground against US currency, a new 10% surtax on certain consumer goods came into effective July 1, when if you exceeded your exemption limit.
Despite Obstacles, Canada’s Growing Labour Force Points to Strong Economy
Despite all the doom and gloom reported lately, Canada’s economy is actually growing. All signs point to an increase in Bank of Canada rates later today, as a new Labour Force Study from Statistics Canada indicates that for the month of June, the country’s labour force increased with the creation of 31,800 new jobs. The report also cites increasing self-employment levels.
Succession Planning: The Legalities Business Owners Need to Know
Succession planning hinges on sound leadership development and astute forward-thinking, but there are also legal factors to consider. This week, Philippe Richer, author of Knowledge Bureau’s new Business Law certificate course in the Executive Business Builder Program, shares some important legal considerations for transitioning or selling your business. Philippe will also join us as a special guest lecturer at the new Business Builder Retreat.
Tax Literacy: Helping Canadian Newcomers Settle In
Did you know that 1,212,075 new immigrants permanently settled in Canada from 2011 to 2016, representing 3.5 percent of Canada’s total population in 2016? Tax and financial advisors have a great opportunity to help with the financial affairs of these families, especially because the tax rules are somewhat different for these residents.
Mortgage Stress Test: Benefits to Canadian Debt Management
In January, a new mortgage stress test was put in place requiring Canadian home buyers to qualify at rates higher than the benchmark interest rates imposed by the Bank of Canada and individual lenders. The implications to Canadian debt levels and the housing market are factors advisors should consider when offering holistic advice to clients.
Small Businesses in Canada are Growing: Take the Leap into Entrepreneurship!
Despite trends leaning towards an increase in self-employment over the next few years, the current state of the economy has some Canadians questioning whether it’s the smart financial choice for them. According to a new report from Paynet’s Canadian Small Business Lending Index, the potential for private business growth is positive, making self-employment a smart choice for those considering taking the leap.
