Red Ink on the Prairies

A day after Quebec’s Finance Minister Eric Girard brought down a Budget featuring a $6.3 Billion deficit, Saskatchewan’s Finance Minister Jim Reiter tabled his government’s budget on March 19. Next up was Finance Minister Adrian Salas, who tabled the Manitoba Budget on March 24. The common thread: there’s lots of red ink on the Prairies. But that’s where the budget documents differ between Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Here’s the latest tax news and why it matters to the advice you give your clients.

“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)

Knowledge Bureau and Manulife Investments, title sponsor of the Distinguished Advisor Conference and co-sponsor of the DAC Young Advisors Award, were delighted to announce last week the inaugural winners of this prestigious award.