Immediate Expensing Rules: Good Tax Policy?

Over the course of the last two federal budgets (April 16, 2024 and November 4, 2025), the rules for claiming Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) have been uncertain. The proposal to extend immediate expensing rules for certain acquired assets were paused for over a year and then re-introduced in a series of four complex measures which together with new rules for Scientific Research and Experimental Development have become known as the “Productivity Super-Deduction”.  A backdrop appears below. The key question: will this complexity be effective as an economic stimulator?   

Matthew and Ashley live in Winnipeg. They have two children, ages 3 and 5.  They own their own home. 

Brian and Patricia retired a few years ago.  Brian is 74 and Patricia is 72.  The couple live in Halifax, NS and have RRIF balances of $300,000 and $400,000 respectively.

Robert and Jackie are contemplating retirement.  Robert is 65, earns $55,000 from employment and also receives a $24,000 pension.

Glen is single, age 55.  He lives alone in a rental apartment in Hamilton, Ontario.  His current salary is $55,000.  His rent is $1,000/month.

Now that the date of the Federal Budget has been announced, Tuesday April 21, and the Minister has met with learned private-sector economists, who confirmed the March private-sector forecasts will do in interpreting plans for the near future, there is much speculation on what the budget will announce and for whom

According to Finance Canada, more than 1.2 million net new jobs have been created in Canada since the depths of the recession—one of the strongest job creation records in the G-7.