Skip to main content

Featured

Notre-Dame Cathedral Reborn: A Testament to Resilience and Restoration

  After five years of meticulous reconstruction, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to reopen its doors to the public on December 8, 2024. The reopening ceremony will take place on December 7, marking a significant milestone in the cathedral's history. The fire on April 15, 2019, caused extensive damage to the historic cathedral, collapsing its iconic spire and causing significant harm to its roof, stained-glass windows, and interior artworks. Despite initial doubts and estimates that the restoration could take up to 40 years, French President Emmanuel Macron's ambitious goal to complete the reconstruction within five years has been achieved. The restoration project, costing around $737 million, was funded by donations from 340,000 individuals across 150 countries. The project involved the efforts of 2,000 artisans and 250 companies, who worked tirelessly to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The new roof and spire have been built using 1,500 trees, including the ta...

Canada’s Capital Gains Tax Changes: What You Need to Know

The Liberal government’s capital gains tax changes have officially taken effect today, sparking both support and opposition. Here’s a concise overview:

  1. What Changed?

    • The capital gains inclusion rate has increased from one-half to two-thirds for gains over $250,000 per year for individuals.
    • Corporations and most types of trusts now face the same inclusion rate on all capital gains.
  2. Why the Change?

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau frames this as generational fairness, aiming to address wealth disparities.
    • The $19.4 billion expected revenue will fund housing and other priorities for young Canadians.
  3. Backlash and Concerns:

    • Critics argue that the higher inclusion rate may harm the economy by reducing competition and innovation.
    • Physicians’ groups express concern about the impact on doctors who invest through incorporated medical practices.
  4. Opposition and Alternatives:

    • Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre claims the wealthy will find ways to avoid the tax, affecting farmers, small businesses, and homebuilders.
    • Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland emphasizes the need for increased spending on health care and social services.
  5. Entrepreneurship Incentive:

    • To encourage entrepreneurship, the government proposes the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive, reducing the inclusion rate to a third on eligible capital gains up to $2 million.

In summary, these changes aim to balance fairness, revenue, and economic impact. The debate continues as Canada adapts to its evolving tax landscape. 

Comments