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?

In its submission to the Expert Committee, Ontario Ministry of Finance on Financial Advisory and Financial Planning Policy Alternatives, Knowledge Bureau was pleased to provide recommendations on the merits of more tailored regulation to those engaged in financial planning and the giving of financial advice, specifically in the area of continuing professional development.

Is the tax system doing enough to recognize the real and increasing costs of elder care? You may be surprised at the answer as we conclude our analysis of the question this week, reviewing tax credits available to the vulnerable and their supporting individuals.

Tax and financial advisors can take an important role in the financial education of young Canadians. As we approach Financial Literacy Month this November, it’s important to revisit the role of financial educator. It’s a critical piece of family wealth management that prepares heirs for their future financial responsibilities and brings peace of mind to their parents, too.

Tax is a trigger for affluent families. They seek credible, trusted, and expert solutions to their investment strategies and expect to work with professionals who can increase returns with tax efficiency.

Richard Yasinski is a DFA-Tax Services Specialist and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) who offers financial planning on the cutting edge. “What makes our firm unique is that we focus on not just financial planning, but tax planning, estate planning, education planning – all aspects of personal financial planning that I think everyone should be interested in.”

The prescribed interest rates for October 1 to December 31, 2015, remain unchanged on overdue taxes and tax overpayments, and for calculations of taxable benefits and shareholder loans. However, the interest rates on PLOI – Pertinent Loans or Indebtedness –have been reduced this quarter.