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?

CRA has provided an update to its audit position on campgrounds and the use of the Small Business Deduction when there are fewer than five full time employees.  The degree to which significant additional services are “integral to the success of its business operations” will make the difference for campgrounds which do a bit of both:  in fact the more services provided, the better the chances that the SBD may be allowed.

Knowledge Bureau’s August opinion poll is asking an important question about education funding and our readers are providing some thoughtful and vibrant answers; that’s why the poll results appear to be coming in neck and neck. What do you think?

Who knew Canadians are this adventuresome?  Last week, CBC reported that close to 4000 people -  most of them men – applied for one of two positions to be blasted into space.   If any life event change speaks to the need for immediate tax, estate and family wealth planning, this would be it!

According to a recent survey by Robert Half, 2017 Salary Guide, Accounting and Finance, professionals with tax and audit experience are in particular demand in the public accounting sector and salaries in these areas are increasing.   Tax accounting, in particular, is an excellent skill and a great “foot-in-the-door” to get experience and insights in an expanding industry.

Knowledge Bureau has improved the opportunity for our students to enrol risk free in our online educational products and earn CE credits while they are doing so. Whether you are a potential student, a prior student or an employer looking for training opportunities, check this out.

"If money is your hope for independence you will never have it. The only real security that a person* will have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience, and ability." Henry Ford