Poll Results: Canadians Remain Skeptical of the New Grocery Benefit

The federal government's new Canada Groceries and Essential Benefit is intended to help eligible Canadians cope with rising food prices and the increasing cost of everyday essentials. We asked our readers whether they believe it is the right solution to address inflation, and the response was decisive: 93% said "No," while just 7% said "Yes." 

You can enter this month’s skill-testing financial trivia question to win a free registration to the DAC in Kelowna, where this year’s theme will be:  CANADA 150: Financial Advice at the Crossroads of Change.

Laramie Tan-Amit Developed Her Competitive Edge as DFA – Tax Services Specialist:

“As we look back and move forward, we would all be advised to remember that pride goes before the fall.” Former Bank of Canada Governor, Mark Carney in Geneva, 2010

Because employers are generally required to pay for the premises, assets and supplies used up by their employees in performing their duties, the employees themselves have few out-of-pocket costs to claim on the tax return. In some cases, the employee will have expenditures, but to claim them, very specific procedures must be followed.

For many taxpayers, the end of February marks the deadline for the annual ritual of contributing to their RRSP.  This year the contribution deadline for 2016 is March 1, 2017.  But is this last-minute rush to contribute the best course of action?

Retirement is one of life’s most exciting times: a time for exploration, shift in focus and demand for new knowledge and skills. For most clients, it is new territory and as a caring advisor it’s a wonderful opportunity to ‘ride shotgun’.