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Rising Tensions Leave Ships Stranded in Key Oil Passage

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ⁠was closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, choking off a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply. Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, has raised urgent concerns over an increasingly alarming situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where dozens of vessels remain stranded amid escalating conflict involving Iran. He emphasized the need to safeguard global shipping and protect seafarers as the strategic waterway—responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows—remains closed for a fourth consecutive day.  The closure has disrupted international trade routes and heightened anxiety across the maritime sector. Greek authorities have urged shipowners to exercise maximum caution and avoid high‑risk zones in the wider Persian Gulf region as tensions continue to rise. The prolonged shutdown underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability and highlights th...

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CRA 2025: New TFSA Limits, Adjusted Tax Brackets, and More!

 

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced several key updates for 2025 that will impact taxpayers across the country. Here's a brief overview of the most notable changes:


New TFSA Limits

Starting January 1, 2025, Canadians will be able to contribute an additional $7,000 to their Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), bringing the total contribution room to $102,000 for those who have maximized their contributions since the program's inception in 2009. This increase is indexed to inflation and aims to provide more flexibility for savings and investment.


Adjusted Tax Brackets

In response to inflation, the CRA has adjusted the federal tax brackets for 2025. The new brackets are as follows:

  • 0 to $57,375: 15%
  • $57,375 to $114,750: 20.5%
  • $114,750 to $177,882: 26%
  • $177,882 to $253,414: 29%
  • Above $253,414: 33%

These adjustments are designed to ensure that taxpayers are not pushed into higher tax brackets solely due to inflation.


Other Updates

  • The basic personal amount (BPA) has been increased to $16,129, allowing individuals to earn this amount without paying federal income tax.
  • The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) benefits will see a 2.7% inflation adjustment, providing a slight increase in payments.

These changes reflect the CRA's ongoing efforts to adapt to economic conditions and support Canadians in managing their finances effectively.




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