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?

According to Statistics Canada1, 95% of Canadians age 15 years and older have some form of income. There are over 28 million tax filers and two-thirds of them pay income taxes, on average 16% of total income. Fully 70% of that income came from employees, whose earnings are subject to tax withholdings that employers make on their behalf.

“Far away there in the sunshine, are my highest aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try to follow where they lead.” -Louisa May Alcott

We all know people who immediately capture our attention.  I’m not referring to people whose physique or loud voice is overpowering and intimidating, keeping us at a distance, but those who have that distinct magnetism that draws us closer.

In Information Circular, IC 98-1R5 Collections Policies, issued on February 3, 2013, CRA clearly outlines the consequences that will follow if you make the bad decision to ignore their requests for payment.  Tax and financial advisors have an important role to play in advising their clients to stay out of this kind of trouble, because the consequences can be swift and financially brutal.

Did you know that in Canada every individual can earn over $950 a month completely tax free?  You’ll want to pay particular attention to the “tax credits” you may be entitled to, and how to benefit from them, as you get ready to file your tax return. 

R&D Pro-Innovation Inc. v The Queen (2015 TCC 186)