RLB Blog

At RLB, we’re more than just accountants—we’re neighbors, community members, and champions of the diverse industries that shape our region. This year, we’re especially excited to share a unique connection that touches both our professional work and our personal passions. A surprising link to two alpacas who have been chosen as ambassadors for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto. 

Statistics Canada reports that 35% of Canadians describe most days as “quite a bit” or “extremely stressful” due to financial issues. As a result of that heightened financial stress, employers may be seeing a reduction in productivity and an increase in absenteeism and turnover.  Investing in your workforce's financial literacy is a win-win for employers and team members.

On October 1st the Ontario minimum wage will increase to $17.20 per hour.  This brings Ontario’s minimum wage to the second highest in Canada.  These increases are tied to the Ontario Consumer Price Index for 2024.

RLB NAMED BEST OF THE BEST BY INSIDE PUBLIC ACCOUNTING

The scope of GST/HST can often create confusion for physicians and health care providers due to the specifics contained in the general exemption for medical services. It is understood that most services performed by a medical practitioner are exempt from GST/HST where they are made for the purpose of:

If you have ever taken a closer look at your grocery or fast-food bill you may have noticed the calculation of GST/HST is not always obvious. There are often various tax codes and rates embedded within the receipt. Let’s look at how GST/HST applies to various categories of food and beverage, and how you can distinguish between them.

If you have ever served on a Board of Directors before, it is normal practice for minutes to be kept. The Board minutes serve as an impartial witness to ensure that the Board is carrying out its fiduciary obligations and employing a deliberative decision-making process. But what happens when an in camera session is called? The below discusses what in camera sessions are and their importance to both the organization and to an underlying audit.

There is an array of not-for-profit organizations across Canada. Not-for-profits rely on volunteer Board of Directors to work towards the mission and vision of the organization. However, many are not aware of the responsibilities and related liabilities that come with holding such a trusted position. Understanding your responsibility and possible liability as a charity or not-for-profit Board Director can help you to better manage this risk.

.author-area {display:none !important} Executive summary: On June 20th, 2024, bills implementing proposals from the 2023 Fall Economic Statement and Federal Budget, as well as proposals from the 2024 Federal Budget received royal assent. The bills amend the Income Tax Act and Underused Housing Tax Act and introduce the Digital Services Tax Act and the Global Minimum Tax Act. Effective dates of these changes vary. Middle market companies will be impacted by these taxation changes.

Some important changes to the taxation of psychotherapy and counselling therapy services were announced this week. While the House of Commons has recently adjourned for summer recess, a number of sales tax measures introduced prior to the break. This includes details contained in Bill C-59 receiving Royal Assent on June 20, 2024.