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.  

Knowledge Bureau is thrilled to announce that faculty member Jenifer Bartman, who will be a guest lecturer on the November CE Summit Tour, is appearing as a regular panelist on the CBC News Network Weekend Business Panel.

With the prescribed interest rate doubling to 2% as of April 1, there will be a significant impact on Canadians who face overdue tax balances with the CRA.  It follows that understanding what interest costs are deductible and which are not, is of new interest.  This subject is one that qualified tax and financial advisors will be prepared to discuss with clients as we tee up for the busiest month of tax season.

Buying a home this spring or approaching a mortgage renewal? May is the busiest time of year for real estate transactions, and you will want to see your tax and financial advisor to discuss the implications of the new mortgage rules and rising interest rates on your after-tax earnings.

Have the CRA’s service standards improved? Reports from tax professionals and their clients show progress this tax season. However, in light of increased audit activity, diligence and thorough documentation remain necessary - as this story from the field demonstrates – or you risk major financial consequences.

Stay tuned to Knowledge Bureau Report next week as we decipher the controversial Ontario Provincial Budget.  A pre-election budget, it has already been pre-empted with a series of goodies and promises:

Are you comfortable with your level of tax knowledge? If not, you’re not alone; most Canadians admit that they don’t know enough, but still prepare their own taxes. Educate yourself this tax season to receive a larger refund, and arm yourself against time-consuming, expensive audits.