Finance Canada Releases Draft Legislation January 29

February 27, 2026 is the last date to comment on a raft of draft legislation released at the end of January covering provisions from the November 4, 2025 Federal budget,  the Fall 2024 Economic Statement, amendments from Budget 2021 regarding Hybrid Mismatching Arrangements, technical changes to two investment tax credits, dating back to 2022 and 2023, as well as corporate changes regarding the Global Minimum Tax.  The key measures to note appear below:

In times of high inflation and a down-trending economy (like today) Canadians pull out all the punches. They scrimp, they save and they cut corners where they can. Many also started to rely more heavily on the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for benefits and importantly their public advocate with the CRA: The Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsperson (OTO), who fielded a record number of urgent requests this year and prompted millions in uncashed cheques to be cashed.  OTO has also created an important new opportunity for tax advisors.   

This is our special wish for you throughout the holidays!  Thank you sincerely for your readership and support. . .we look forward to sharing knowledge with you in the New Year!   

Join us in Beautiful Banff November 11-14 at the spectacular Banff Springs Hotel for the Distinguished Advisor Conference (DAC).  You won’t want to miss the outstanding special guest speakers, the Snow Ball Gala celebrating our 20th Anniversary, and the opportunity to give the gift this extraordinary Educational Extravaganza to your most dedicated team members!

You can’t afford to miss this if you are a professional tax accountant, bookkeeper or financial advisor!  Your clients are counting on you for accurate tax filings, sound tax planning advice and the recommendations to the correct investments as inflation and high interest rates interrupt financial peace of mind.   Check it out and register now.

Is the Grinch in the house?  The interest rate hikes just haven’t stopped in 2022.  On December 7, the Bank of Canada (BOC) increased policy interest rate again by 50 basis points, leaving many Canadians worried about the effect on their finances in 2023. Currently, the overnight rate is 4¼%, with the Bank Rate at 4½% and the deposit rate at 4¼%.  But this translates to much higher costs on various debt transactions: operating lines, lines of credit and mortgages.  Is there a silver lining?

Why don’t more taxpayers – and charities – know more about gifting securities in kind?  It’s an expeditious way to support your favorite charities during inflationary times.  Donations for the purposes of 2022 tax credits will be accepted until December 30, but it’s important to leave settlement time for the transfer or securities.