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 2025 tax filing year is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory, with penalties and interest costs on the rise and the CRA facing significant hurdles in managing information during peak filing season. Against this backdrop, the CE Savvy Summit on September 17, 2025 will host a critical session: New Trends in Tax Audit Defence and Appeals, led by Kim G.C. Moody, an experienced tax expert, who will unpack the implications of CRA’s expanding audit powers.

In a market where clients demand more from their advisors, the ability to provide specialized, high-level advice has never been more important. The Professional Practitioner Diploma (PPD) equips financial professionals with the advanced knowledge and credentials needed to differentiate themselves, build client trust, and compete effectively in a crowded financial services landscape.

At Acuity 2025, Larry Frostiak, FCPA, FCA, CFP, TEP, RWM™, FDFS™, will lead a session titled “Year-End Planning 2025: How Young Entrepreneurs Can Build Wealth Tax Efficiently,” focusing on strategies for Canada’s emerging business leaders. Young entrepreneurs often dream of independence, but unpredictable income, evolving tax rules, and the demands of balancing business growth with family can make building wealth seem daunting.

Did you know that 61% of Canadians are afraid of running out of money during retirement? According to a new CPP Investments survey, that fear is widespread. Yet surprisingly few people understand even the basics of public pension planning. For example, Canadians are not obliged to begin OAS or CPP at age 65. By delaying, they can significantly boost after-tax income and improve retirement security.

Businesses with revenue over the small supplier threshold ($30,000 in worldwide revenues over four consecutive calendar quarters) must register for, collect, and remit GST or, in participating provinces, HST. However, there are circumstances where a business may choose—or be required—to deregister. This article explains when and how deregistration happens, the consequences, and the steps involved.

Death and taxes. You know the saying. As tax professionals, it’s up to you to walk your clients through what can be a lengthy and emotional process. Your role in helping clients get the affairs of the deceased in order cannot be overstated. Over the coming weeks, we’ll look at some of the complexities that arise. Importantly, this is a conversation to have—if possible—before the death of a taxpayer.