Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently provided an update on the province’s ongoing efforts to explore exiting the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). The province has received feedback from Canada’s chief actuary but still awaits a definitive estimate of how much Alberta would be entitled to if it leaves the national retirement fund. No Firm Number Yet Continue reading
Kathy Hilton
How Can You Avoid CPP and OAS Clawback in 2025?
If you’re receiving CPP Canada Pension Plan benefits, you may wonder whether you’ll eventually face the Old Age Security (OAS) clawback. The OAS clawback is a reduction of $0.15 for every dollar of income you earn above $90,977 (as of 2024). Once your income reaches $149,000, your OAS payments are fully clawed back, leaving you Continue reading
Budget-Friendly Travel Destinations for Canadians in 2025
With many Canadians struggling to make ends meet, booking a flight might seem like an unattainable luxury. However, thanks to certain destinations offering lower travel costs, you might still be able to treat yourself to a well-deserved vacation. According to Skyscanner’s Travel Trends 2025 Report, there are several wallet-friendly travel spots that combine affordability with Continue reading
Why a First Home Savings Account Should Top Every First-Time Buyer’s Holiday Wish List
Combining the best features of an RRSP and TFSA, the FHSA offers unique tax benefits and investment opportunities tailored to first-time buyers. Here’s why every aspiring homeowner should consider opening one and how to maximize its potential. What is the FHSA? The FHSA (First Home Savings Account) is designed to help first-time buyers save for Continue reading
What’s Open and Closed in Toronto on Boxing Day 2024
Boxing Day in Toronto is always a unique mix of hustle and relaxation. While retail hubs and shopping malls will be bustling with deal-seekers, many services and attractions take a break for the holiday. Whether you’re planning to enjoy some downtime or hit the stores, here’s a detailed guide to what’s open and closed in Continue reading
Court Halts Upcoming Canadian Content Payments by Global Streamers
Big streaming companies such as Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon, and Spotify have received a temporary reprieve from paying for Canadian content, thanks to a recent Federal Court of Appeal decision. The court will first hear their appeal against a Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) ruling before any payments are required. CRTC’s Canadian Content Payment Continue reading
Canada Implements Measures to Combat Fraud in Express Entry System
On December 23, 2024, the Government of Canada, led by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced important updates to the Express Entry system. These changes aim to strengthen the integrity of Canada’s immigration process by reducing fraud and ensuring the country’s immigration system remains fair and responsive to economic needs. Continue reading
Canada Discontinues Flagpoling for Work and Study Permits at Border
As part of Canada’s Border Plan, the Government of Canada has announced a significant policy change. Effective December 23 at 11:59 pm ET, work and study permits will no longer be issued to individuals engaging in flagpoling at a port of entry. What Is Flagpoling? Flagpoling refers to the practice where foreign nationals with temporary Continue reading
Chief Actuary Alberta Not Entitled to Half of CPP Fund
Alberta’s Proposal to Exit CPP Challenged by Chief Actuary Canada’s chief actuary, Assia Billig, has determined that Alberta would not be entitled to claim more than half of the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) fund if the province chooses to leave the national retirement program. In a report released Friday, Billig independently assessed the CPP legislation Continue reading
Recall Alert Dessert Sold at Costco Locations in Ontario Deemed Unsafe for Consumption
A popular dessert, the Brownie Skillet with Vanilla Ice Cream, sold at Costco stores in Ontario, Canada, has been voluntarily recalled by Sorrisa Group Inc. The recall, issued on December 20, 2023, cites the potential presence of rubber foreign material in the product, posing a possible choking hazard. Why Was the Brownie Skillet Recalled? Sorrisa Continue reading