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?

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.

What did Budget 2018 cover that tax and financial advisors need to know now? What did it fail to address? Dr. Michael Graham weighs in on what we might anticipate in cross-border trade, U.S. tax reforms, the implications of Budget 2018 on small businesses in Canada.

It’s always nice to share good news on the first week of spring: an important new benefit for veterans takes effect on April 1, 2018.  First announced in the 2017 federal budget, the new Veterans’ Education and Training Benefit is part of the $133.9 million earmarked over six years to help veterans achieve post-military employment and position them to be more competitive in the workforce. But is it taxable?

If you are a post-secondary student, or a supporting parent or spouse of one, and are looking for the monthly education amount on the 2017 federal tax return, you may be a bit confused; it’s gone, but not out completely.

Although these won’t be announced officially for a couple of weeks yet, the prescribed interest rates and Old Age Security payment amounts are expected to change as of April 1. Here’s what we are anticipating, and why that’s so important for investment and debt management planning now:

The 2018 federal budget placed significant importance on encouraging diversity in the Canadian workforce – including funding to support women, visible and religious minorities and immigrants, and this deserves kudos, as new opportunities abound. Here are some of the details: