Gentlemen, This One is For You (and Ladies, You May Want to Take Note as Well)
Did you ask for a home DNA test kit, or as it is colloquially known, a ‘spit-in-a-tube’ this year? These tests have been getting increasingly popular in Canada over the last five years, so it may be on your list! Mostly people are curious about their ancestry or to find out whether they are susceptible […]
Importance of Construction Contracts in a Construction Project
Construction and renovation projects are a big investment for all parties involved, whether you’re an Owner, a Contractor or a Subcontractor. Such projects involve risks, including but not limited to, financial risks, project delays and safety risks. The best way of alleviating these risks and chances of a construction or renovation project running into issues […]
Ontario Tax and Utility Rebates for Eligible Businesses
Through the Property Tax and Energy Cost Rebates program, the Ontario government is providing a total of $300 million in property tax and utility cost rebates, in the form of grants, to eligible businesses effected by COVID-19 provincial health restrictions. Such rebates will include municipal and education property taxes and energy costs (including electricity, natural […]
New Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Subsidy (CERS) – updated March 2, 2021
Applications are now open through the Canada Revenue Agency for CERS, which has replaced the previous Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program. The new CERS program provides up to 65% rent support to eligible charities, businesses and non-profit organizations. To be eligible for CERS, organizations must: Meet one of the following conditions: (i) have a […]
It May Be Time to Revisit Your Continuing POA Property Precedent
A series of recent Capacity and Consent Board decisions have called into question the use of standard language found in many continuing power of attorney for property precedents found in law firms across Ontario, including the current Law Society of Ontario annotated precedent. Specifically, the issue relates to the language used to declare that a […]
‘Tis the Season….for Christmas Access
It’s that time of the year where for most, it’s the countdown for gift shopping, baking and tree decorating, but for others, such as separated parents, it is a time of stress, concern and uncertainty as to whether they will be able to spend time with their children. As separated parents, it’s important to carefully […]
Give a Little, Get a Lot!
Let’s put aside the first misconception about legacy giving and clarify that you do not have to be wealthy to leave a legacy! Legacy giving can be for everyone. According to the Charities Directorate of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) there are more than 85,000 registered charities in Canada. A list of all registered Canadian […]
November is Make a Will Month – Do You Have Your Estate Plan in Place?
Your Estate Plan Let’s first address the elephant in the room! Dying. You will die, I will die, we all will die. It may not be tomorrow, or next week, or for many years, but the trouble is, we often do not know when the inevitable will hit. Yet, we are reluctant to talk, let […]
I am Buying a Home for the First Time: Do I Have to Pay Land Transfer Tax ?
In Ontario, Land Transfer Tax is payable to the Provincial Government when you buy land or a home, or an interest in land or a home. This Land Transfer Tax is calculated based on the purchase price and must be paid on the closing date. If you are buying or acquiring an interest in a […]
