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.CEWS Extended until August 29
The federal government extended its Canada Emergency Wage Supplement (CEWS) until August 29 last week, and that’s good news for business struggling to recover as Canada comes out of COVID lockdown. That now extends the program to 24 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
Seniors Get a Covid-19 Payment
Seniors who qualify for some portion of the OAS (Old Age Security) will receive a one-time tax-free payment of $300 from the federal government to help with COVID-related costs while GIS recipients will get $200 more. Further, another tax information filing extension was announced with this news on May 12: this time to October 1, 2020. For those who don’t need the money there are some interesting leveraging and sharing opportunities.
Six Pandemic Benefit Tips: Maximizing the One-Time Tax-Free Seniors’ Benefit
Taxpayers over the age of 65 who receive the new $300 one-time tax free COVID benefit from the federal government should first use it to cover extra charges due to the pandemic including delivery costs, costs of internet and communications charges and more. But those who don’t really need the money can leverage the gift in several ways. Here are our top 6 pandemic benefits tips for seniors:
Provincial Round-Up: Extra Pay for Frontline Workers
On May 7 they federal government announced that they’d give $3 billion to the provinces and territories in total to help with the costs to increase the wages of frontline workers nationally. The amount covers three-quarters of the total estimated cost of $4 billion. It’s up to the provinces and territories to define what they consider an essential frontline worker. Let’s look at what the provinces implemented so far!
Rave Reviews: The Virtual CE Summit and Emergency Pandemic Benefits Response Course
The first ever Virtual CE Summit on May 13 garnered rave reviews. It featured 8 incredible thought leaders who offered cutting-edge guidance on providing clients with sound advice for tough times. Good news: you can still access the incredible online content and take until July 15 to finish your 10 CE Credits. More good news: we’re planning to host another Virtual CE Summit on September 30.
Knowledge Gap Courses: How to Become a Better Virtual Advisor
Your practice is changing, and Knowledge Bureau is here to help with a new series of courses for advisors and their clients who are transacting virtually. The new Knowledge Gap Program has arrived and it offers you a high-value library of short CE courses and new Financial Storyboards that open new virtual conversations. Most importantly, you don’t even need to be tech-savvy, and either do your clients. Here’s why:
