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Ontario’s Math Struggles Spark Provincial Review of Student Testing

Ontario’s latest standardized test results reveal that math achievement remains a serious concern across the province , with many students failing to meet expected benchmarks. The Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) released its 2024–2025 assessment data this week, showing that only 51% of Grade 6 students and 58% of Grade 9 students met the provincial math standard , while Grade 3 students fared slightly better at 64%. Despite modest improvements compared to previous years, the results underscore a persistent gap in student performance. Education Minister Paul Calandra acknowledged that progress has been too slow, announcing the creation of a two-member advisory body to review Ontario’s approach to standardized testing and curriculum delivery . The review will examine whether current teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods are effectively supporting student learning. The EQAO results also highlighted disparities among student groups and school boards ,...

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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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