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?

Women in Canada earn around 89 cents for every dollar men earn. That wage gap is set to close, at least in federally regulated sectors, as the Pay Equity Act comes into effect on August 31. It requires employers in federally regulated sectors with ten or more employees to identify and correct pay disparities within their workplaces within three years. That is just one more reason financial advisors will want to engage with female clients about the impact these changes and other good news will have on their wealth management.

In one of our most popular polls to date, the “no” side is winning the opinion poll; but it is in their comments that some astute insights are emerging.  What’s your take on this question: “In the last election, some parties suggested an increase to the capital gains inclusion rate to 75% or more as the best way to raise new money to pay down the government debt. Do you agree?”. Here is just some of the feedback shared so far:

Limited recourse capital notes (“LCRN”) are yielding some impressive coupon payments.  LCRNs are a new and complicated hybrid security.  This article will provide preliminary Canadian federal income taxation information as it discusses the tax treatment for third-party investors by investing in LCRNs. 

Don’t miss the Society of Real Wealth Managers next Meeting of the Minds on August 11 at 10:30 am Central Time.  It's a free event to Introduce you to RWMs from coast-to-coast for three reasons: to connect. contribute. collaborate...and share RWM "aha moments"! Here's what you need to know:

Submit the name of your worthy nomination for the DAC New Advisor Award now. The application deadline September 1, 2021. The prestigious award recognizes the next generation and their contributions to excellence in the tax, accounting and/or financial services. Here’s what the winner of this prestigious award will receive and how to apply:

Knowledge Bureau Designates: your professionalism matters to your clients. Your achievements are also an inspiration to the thousands of undergrads inn Knowledge Bureau program from coast to coast.  But, the grace period for relicensing ends August 31!  Make sure to maximize your investment in your credentials. Send along your Attestation to Standards of Conduct now. Check out the handy Q&A Relicensing Guide below or call us for help: 1-866-953-4769.  Here’s what you need to know: