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.  

Retirement income planning begins with the first dollar you save. That’s way RRSP season is important to young people, even though retirement seems too far away to worry about. But you should think about what lifestyle you are saving for and for how long your money needs to last between now and March 1, the RRSP tax filing deadline. 

No, different income sources attract different marginal tax rates.

Edwards v. The Queen.  A recent decision from the Federal Court of Appeal, Edwards v. The Queen (2012 FCA 330), contains interesting dicta regarding the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) administration of proposed legislation in the last decade or so, with the presiding Justice JA John M. Evans declaring it “fundamentally unfair.” 

You can have zero income and pay zero taxes but still receive refundable tax credits in Canada—simply by filing a tax return. But because many of these credits are based on “family” rather than “individual” net income, you and your spouse need to file tax returns together. 

This week: 10 neat things about plant senses.

Knowledge Bureau Newsbooks added David Christianson to our bestsellers list last week.