Skip to main content

Featured

Canada Is In a Recession — What It Means for Your Money

It's official. Canada has entered a technical recession for the first time since 2020 — and it happened faster than almost any economist predicted. Statistics Canada confirmed Friday that the economy shrank for a second consecutive quarter, with Q1 2026 posting a 0.1% annualized contraction, following a 1.0% drop in Q4 2025. Forecasters had been expecting 1.5% growth . The surprise is significant. So what does this actually mean for everyday Canadians? Your job, your mortgage, your savings, your debt — we break it all down. −0.1% Q1 2026 GDP (annualized) −1.0% Q4 2025 GDP (revised down) 2.25% Bank of Canada overnight rate 2.8% Canada inflation rate (April) "Most businesses are basically in a holding pattern, treading water, hoping for brighter days." — Dan Kelly, President, Canadian Federation of Independent Business 📉 Wait — Is This Really a Recession? The term "technical recession" means two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth on an annualized basi...

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