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Humanitarian Aid on Trial in Greece

  File photo: Migrants from Afghanistan is towed by rescuers of the Refugee Rescue NGO, on the island of Lesbos, Greece. Twenty-four humanitarian aid workers have gone on trial in Greece, facing felony charges of migrant smuggling, money laundering, and membership in a criminal organization . The case, unfolding on the island of Lesbos, targets former volunteers of the now-defunct NGO Emergency Response Centre International (ERCI) , which operated search-and-rescue missions between 2016 and 2018. Among the defendants are Sarah Mardini , a Syrian refugee and professional swimmer whose story inspired the Netflix film The Swimmers , and Seán Binder , a German-Irish rescue diver. Both were arrested in 2018 for their involvement in helping migrants and refugees arriving by sea from Turkey. If convicted, the defendants face up to 20 years in prison . Greek prosecutors allege that the group facilitated illegal entry into the country by monitoring coastguard communications and relaying ...
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Can You Write Off Home Renovations in Canada?


When it comes to home renovations in Canada, the tax landscape can be a bit narrow for existing homeowners. However, there are still some key considerations to keep in mind:

  1. Principal Residence Exemption: This is the big one. When you sell your primary home, the principal residence exemption allows you to avoid capital gains tax. But beware! As of January 1, 2023, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) tightened the rules. Housing units sold after less than a year of ownership are now excluded, with certain exceptions like death and disability. So, watch out for those anti-flipping rules!

  2. Profit Shielding: Unlike the United States, Canada doesn’t cap the amount of profit shielded from taxes. Existing homeowners rely on their homes as a store of value for retirement, and any significant shift in tax policy would be a political nightmare.

  3. First Home Savings Account (FHSA): If you’re a future buyer, the FHSA is your friend. It’s like a slam dunk for first-time homebuyers. Contributions are tax-free on the way in (similar to an RRSP) and tax-free on the way out (like a TFSA). You can contribute up to $8,000 annually, up to $40,000 over a lifetime. Just remember, unused contribution room doesn’t carry forward indefinitely.

  4. Renovation Benefits: Unfortunately, for current homeowners thinking about renovating, the federal tax benefit buffet is pretty sparse. But don’t lose hope—there are other avenues to explore, such as provincial home renovation tax credits and specific programs.

In summary, while the tax breaks for home renovations may not be as generous as we’d like, strategic planning and understanding the rules can still make a difference. Whether you’re sprucing up your kitchen or adding that dream deck, keep these factors in mind as you navigate the world of home improvements.

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