Forcing People to Pay a Moral Tax if They Leave the Country Won't Inspire Them to Stay
Former Google CFO Patrick Pichette urged Canadians who leave for the U.S. to repay an estimated $500,000 CAD in taxpayer‑subsidized education and called for ending the TN visa program, despite Canada having no authority over the U.S. agreement. He framed the proposal as a "moral tax" to curb the brain‑drain. The article counters that Canada already taxes deemed dispositions on most assets when residents emigrate, and that punitive exit fees would likely accelerate talent loss. Instead, experts argue the solution lies in sweeping tax reform to make staying the obvious choice.
Why Timing the Bottom of Canada's Roller-Coaster Real Estate Market May Be Harder than You Think
Canada’s housing market has shed nearly 20% of value since February 2022, with the average resale price falling from C$816,720 (≈US$604,000) to C$663,828 (≈US$491,000). Experts say timing the market bottom is tricky because price trends vary by segment—condos remain oversupplied...
This Creative Money Transfer Strategy Among Family Members Could Raise Red Flags with CRA
A Canadian couple used a CRA‑prescribed‑rate loan of roughly $370,000 USD to shift investment income, while the husband gifted about $74,000 USD to their adult son, who then transferred the same amount to his mother and back to the husband to reduce...
Whether for Curb Appeal, Cutting Grocery Costs or Pleasure, Your Garden Project Needs a Realistic Budget
A realistic budget is essential before starting any garden project, whether the goal is curb appeal, grocery savings, or leisure. Homeowners must account for upfront costs like seeds, soil, tools, and potential professional labor, as well as ongoing expenses such...
Facing the Loss of Government Disability Benefits, Ian Wonders if CPP, OAS and a Small Inheritance Will Be Enough
Ian, a 63‑year‑old Canadian with a permanent disability, relies on a $1,184 USD monthly Canada Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefit, a $148 USD disability tax credit and a $585 USD annuity that ends in two years. When he turns 65, the CPP disability...
Canadian Pension Plans Are so Healthy that Employers Are Taking a Contribution 'Holiday,' Says Mercer
Canadian defined‑benefit pension plans have reached record health, with a median solvency ratio of 123 percent at the end of Q1 2026, up from just over 80 percent in 2020. Strong equity returns in 2025 lifted assets, creating large surpluses that trigger mandatory...
Canada's Accountant Shortage Is Starting to Add up Despite Quieter Tax Season
Canada’s accountant shortage remains acute even as the 2026 tax season is calmer than the chaotic years of 2023‑2025. A 2025 survey shows 86% of finance and accounting managers still struggle to fill vacancies, and CPA salaries have risen 7.7%...
Garry Marr: With Housing Prices Flat, the High Cost of Moving Has Never Been More Clear
Canadian homeowners face steep transaction costs as housing prices remain flat. Broker commissions of 4‑5% (about $37,000 USD on a $1 million CAD home) plus land‑transfer taxes near $24,000 USD and legal fees add up to roughly 10% of a property’s value. The Canada...
CRA Denied Taxpayer with Multiple Health Issues the Disability Tax Credit
The Canada Revenue Agency denied a Newfoundland and Labrador taxpayer’s disability tax credit (DTC) for the 2014‑2018 period, and a Tax Court judge upheld the denial. The claimant, who experiences frequent bowel movements after gallbladder removal and lives with ADHD,...
Dad Won’t Talk About Estate Planning. How Can I Avoid Being Blindsided?
Raymond, a 40‑year‑old son in British Columbia, worries his 67‑year‑old father has no estate plan despite owning a home, boat, cars and a long‑term partner. Without a will, BC intestacy rules will dictate asset distribution, potentially granting the common‑law girlfriend...
When Helping a Young Adult Out with the Rent Can Do More Harm than Good
Young adults in their mid‑twenties are staying at home longer because high housing costs, a shaky job market and student debt make full financial independence harder. Parents often feel compelled to help with rent and other expenses, but the article...
Disagree with CRA’s Notice of Assessment? Make Sure to File Your Objection by the Deadline
After filing a 2025 return, Canadian taxpayers receive a digital Notice of Assessment (NOA) via CRA My Account. They must file any objection within one year of the filing deadline or 90 days after the NOA, whichever is later, using...
Garry Marr: In Canada's Great Downsizing Debate, Staying Put Still Has the Upper Hand
Fitzrovia, a Canadian rental giant with $11 billion in assets, is targeting the growing senior‑down‑sizer segment by offering resort‑style apartments that blend larger units with upscale amenities. Toronto’s 55‑74‑year‑old household count has risen 65 % over two decades, yet many older owners...
How Can an Ontario Couple Ensure Their Disabled Son Is Taken Care of After They Die?
Ontario retirees Anthony (62) and Chelsea (61) are safeguarding their 28‑year‑old son with a developmental disability by combining government benefits, a $100,000 CAD (~$75,000 USD) RDSP, a $700,000 CAD (~$525,000 USD) life‑insurance policy, and a Henson Trust in their will. They also...
Despite Growing Financial Pressures, Canadians Are Still Reliably Paying Their Mortgages
A True North Mortgage survey shows 83% of Canadian homeowners have never missed a mortgage payment, yet more than one‑third report financial strain. Mortgage debt rose to roughly $1.44 trillion USD, a 2.6% year‑over‑year increase, while the national arrears rate stays...
