RLB Blog

On September 14, 2023, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced plans to introduce new legislation to enhance the GST Rebate on new rental apartments. The new legislation is intended to incentivize construction of new rental homes and improve housing affordability for Canadians. 

Successful Canadian businesses commonly expand into the United States to continue their revenue growth. Many of these Canadian-founded companies do not realize that extending business activities to the United States could potentially expose the company to US tax implications, which are not considered in advance. Tax planning and structuring are critical considerations when expanding across borders so you can focus on your business growth instead of retroactively defending against possible assessments and potentially substantial penalties.  

As we close in on the final quarter of 2023, we begin to reflect on the emerging trends so far this year. As businesses begin to find their footing again amongst recovery from the “Great Resignation,” increased interest rates and cost of living, and low employee engagement, we are seeing a reduction in competitive recruitment and a higher volume of inquiries such as performance management, accommodations, investigations, or terminations. All of which accurately sum up what HR professionals are now calling “business rightsizing”.

Since its inception in 2005, the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) (“The Act”) has been maintaining standards and timelines associated with identifying and removing barriers for people with disabilities in 5 areas of daily life. The ultimate goal of the Act is to achieve a more accessible and inclusive province by January 1, 2025. The Act applies to every person and organization in the public and private sectors of Ontario. By now, every Ontarian should have received AODA training, and be familiar with applicable AODA policies and plans at minimum.

DEREK STOLTZ JOINS RLB AS PRINCIPAL 

A recent court case may have a significant impact on the way GST/HST registrants resolve GST/HST audits and examinations, confirming the general approach from the Canada Revenue Agency (“CRA”) is often overly strict. As you may know, registrants charge GST/HST on their sales and pay GST/HST on their purchases, with the difference being remitted to the CRA or eligible to claim back as a refund. If you have had the pleasure of dealing with CRA review, you will know that documentation is often one of the most prevalent issues under audit.

We have all seen a number of workplace buzzwords hit the headlines. Those terms refer to trends like “quiet quitting” and “quiet firing,”. "Quiet hiring" is the new workplace buzzword on the horizon that employees and employers need to be aware of.

It’s safe to say that most of us have received hospital care at some point in our lifetime. Whether it’s the moment we are brought into this world, treating injuries, or receiving lifesaving care, we have witnessed firsthand the vital role our healthcare providers play in our communities. Our publically funded healthcare system supports our hospital’s infrastructure and human resources. However, new patient care equipment must be funded through community support. The Foundation of Guelph General Hospital works closely with generous donors to ensure that Guelph General Hospital has the necessary equipment to support the needs of our growing community. Their mission statement is simple; Transforming healthcare through giving.

It’s time! Spring has sprung and AGM season is officially here!

Gone are the days when you would fight traffic and rush to make it to an in-person AGM, only to find that quorum hasn’t been met and your whole evening has been wasted.