Skip to main content

Featured

5 Things to Know Today: Canada Enters Recession, Oil Slips on Iran Ceasefire Talk

Saturday, May 30, 2026 — Your quick-hit Canadian financial briefing for the day. 1.Canada Officially Meets the Definition of a Technical Recession Statistics Canada confirmed Friday that real GDP contracted 0.1% on an annualized basis in Q1 2026 — following a revised 1.0% drop in Q4 2025 . That's two straight quarters of negative growth, which meets the technical definition of a recession. The miss was a big one: economists had forecast growth of 1.5% . The main culprits were a surge in imports (up 2.9%, largely gold), declining business capital investment (down 0.7% — its fifth consecutive quarterly drop ), and weakness in resource extraction and construction. On a per-capita basis, GDP actually edged up 0.2% as Canada's population shrank for the second quarter in a row. Not everyone is ready to call it a full recession: some economists note that three of the four weak months were isolated, and early April data points to a sharp 0.4% rebound . Still, the numbers ...

article

Unlocking Tax Benefits: A Guide for Parents in 2024

 


Whether your child is a newborn, working a part-time job, or considering applying to university, there are essential benefits and credits that parents should be aware of as tax season approaches. As a parent, understanding these opportunities can significantly impact your financial well-being. Let’s explore some key points:

1. Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a tax-free monthly payment administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). It aims to assist eligible parents with the cost of raising children. Here’s what you need to know:

  • Maximum Benefit: For children under six, the maximum annual benefit is $7,437 ($619.75 per month). For children aged six to 17, it’s $6,275 ($522.91 per month).
  • Sign Up: Remember to sign up and apply for the CCB promptly, as there’s no retroactive payment. It begins once you’ve enrolled.

2. Childcare Expenses

Childcare costs can be substantial, but parents can claim certain expenses on their annual tax return. Here’s how it works:

  • General Amount: Parents can claim up to $8,000 for children under seven and $5,000 per child aged seven to 16.
  • Additional Amounts: Children with disabilities may qualify for additional amounts.

Comments