GST now at 5%

Today the GST is reduced by one percentage point. Don't forget to check out your receipts to make sure that the merchant has correctly ajusted the rate on all cash registers.


Update to the federal budget

The Government of Canada delivers broad-based tax relief. As well as the additional 1-percentage-point reduction in the GST which will be in effect January 1st, the Government proposes other broad-based tax relief for individuals, famillies and businesses. For more information, click here.


Planning ahead in case of death or incapacity

Whether you have a great deal of property or whether you possess very little, it cannot be overstated how important it is that you do not leave it to the law to choose, instead of yourself, who will control your property should you become incapable or to whom your property will be given upon your decease.

In the absence of a will, it is the law that will determine who your heirs will be. Your spouse does not automatically have the right to your property, whether you are married or joined in civil union. That is to say that your spouse could find himself or herself, from one day to the next, a co-owner of your estate, including your principle residence, along with your children. The legal rules governing transmission of inherited property could also hold some surprises for your heirs. Executing a legal will to protect your loved ones is an act of love on their behalf.

The experts at PGPM are able to offer you a specialized and complete version of your will that will avoid ambiguities, thoroughly protect your loved ones, and provide a fiscal strategy that may save a great deal of money for your heirs.

No one is immune to a serious accident or illness capable of depriving someone of the use of his or her intellectual faculties. If you were to be struck by such an unfortunate event, who would take care of you and your property?

In the absence of a mandate given in anticipation of incapacity, a convocation of parents and friends must meet to contribute their advice as to the choice of the person who shall take care of you and manage your estate. Imagine your former spouse and your children from a second union gathered around the same table...Why confer upon others a decision that indeed belongs to you?

The team at PGPM will propose a clear mental and physical healthcare mandate given in anticipation of incapacity, tailored to your situation.


Two weeks left

Message for individuals: there's only two weeks left to send in your tax return for the year 2006.