RLB Blog

A recent Harvard Business Review article highlighted the Oklahoma City Thunder's turnaround as one of the most talked-about stories in recent NBA history. After bottoming out with 58 losses in the 2021-2022 season, the franchise engineered a rapid and deliberate climb back to relevance. While your business may not be competing for championships, the parallel is striking. Many small to medium-sized businesses face similar challenges: high turnover, stagnant growth, and teams that seem stuck in neutral. The difference between organizations that break through and those that remain stagnant often comes down to one thing: a strategic, data-driven approach to people management.

On March 26, 2026, the Ontario Government tabled its 2026 provincial budget. While the budget covers several significant initiatives, there are a few key highlights we have summarized for what you need to know and, importantly, what actions may be worth considering before key deadlines arrive.

As businesses gear up for the summer rush, seasonal hiring is once again in full swing. In the urgency to build teams for peak season, one critical element that too often gets deprioritized is comprehensive health and safety training.

After nearly a year of delays, Bill C-4, the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, is now law. This legislation, specifically designed to increase housing supply, was held up long enough to have the opposite effect, with qualified buyers staying out of the market and builders managing stalled pipelines and uncertain demand. That changes now! With Royal Assent granted on March 12, 2026, builders need to move quickly to understand their obligations under the enhanced First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) GST Rebate and update their processes accordingly. 

After months of legislative delays, Bill C-4, the Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act, officially received Royal Assent on March 12th, 2026. The legislation removes or reduces the GST on qualifying new home purchases by eligible buyers, saving up to $50,000. Ontario noted in their 2025 Fall Economic Statement that they would follow suit and remove the provincial portion of HST for first time buyers on homes up to $1,000,000, but we do not have an official statement or legislation from Ontario since the March 12th Federal announcement at the time of writing this article. 

Each new year begins with a surge of enthusiasm. Teams feel energized, leaders set ambitious goals, and optimism runs high. But as routines settle in and operational pressures return, that early excitement often fades. This shift is not just seasonal; it can quietly impact productivity, morale, and overall performance at a time when steady focus and consistency matter most.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has announced an important change to the GST/HST treatment of mutual fund trailing commissions, effective July 1, 2026. This shift will primarily impact investment dealers, advisors, and fund managers and will require operational and compliance updates across the industry.

Seventy-five years. That's three-quarters of a century of building relationships, supporting our clients' success, and giving back to the communities we call home. At RLB Chartered Professional Accountants, we're incredibly honored to reach this milestone, and we couldn't have done it without you, our clients, our team, and our community partners.

As many organizations continue to navigate economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, and evolving employee expectations, one thing remains clear; Workforce skills must evolve alongside the changing nature of work. Prioritizing upskilling that focuses on continuous learning, adaptability, and long-term development is no longer a “nice to have”. It has become essential.

At RLB, our motto is “People Count”. That’s not just a catchy slogan. It’s the guiding principle that drives our organization. Part of our People Count culture is ensuring that we recognize the outstanding achievements and dedication of our team during our annual Holiday Party. Please join us in celebrating the following individuals who were recognized this year.