Skip to main content

Featured

The 4% Rule Just Dropped to 3.9% — But Your RRIF Doesn't Care

  Published August 5, 2026 Morningstar's newest research says retirees can safely start withdrawing 3.9% a year. Ottawa's RRIF rules don't ask what's "safe" — they just tell you how much to take out, whether the math agrees or not. For years, the shortcut retirees leaned on was simple: take out 4% of your portfolio in your first year of retirement, bump it up with inflation every year after, and your savings should last three decades. Morningstar's 2026 State of Retirement Income report just trimmed that number to 3.9%. On its own, that's a small adjustment. On a $500,000 portfolio, it's the difference between withdrawing $19,500 or $20,000 in year one. But for Canadians, the number that actually controls the withdrawal isn't Morningstar's — it's the Canada Revenue Agency's. And once your RRSP becomes a Registered Retirement Income Fund, the CRA's required minimum can blow right past whatever a "safe" withdrawal rate i...

article

Ottawa Prioritizes Canadian Steel and Aluminum in Federal Grants


In a significant move to bolster domestic industries, the Canadian government has mandated that all federal grant recipients prioritize the use of Canadian steel and aluminum in their projects. This directive, announced by Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne, is part of Ottawa's broader strategy to support local manufacturing and counter external trade pressures.

The decision comes amidst ongoing challenges in the global trade landscape, including tariffs imposed by the United States on Canadian steel and aluminum. By emphasizing the use of homegrown materials, the government aims to safeguard jobs, strengthen the national economy, and ensure the sustainability of critical industries.

Minister Champagne highlighted the importance of Canadian steel and aluminum in supporting key sectors such as defense, automotive, and infrastructure. He emphasized that this initiative not only protects Canadian workers but also reinforces the country's commitment to a resilient and self-reliant economy.

This policy shift is expected to have a ripple effect across various industries, encouraging innovation and investment in Canadian manufacturing. It also underscores the government's dedication to fostering a competitive and sustainable industrial base in the face of global challenges.

Comments