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 […]
Ontario Government to Provide Further Economic Relief to Restaurants and Small Businesses (updated November 17, 2020)
Last week, Premier Doug Ford announced the Ontario government’s plan to provide $300 million in relief funds to restaurants which have been further effected by the recent 28-day emergency order prohibiting restaurants from offering indoor dining. Such relief funds are intended to assist restaurants in offsetting fixed costs such as property taxes and utility bills. […]
Regulating Witch Hunters
The Halloween decorations making their annual appearance on front lawns and store fronts reminded me of a book I read this summer which mentioned the end of witch hunting. I found myself wanting to know more. It appears that employment opportunities as a witch hunter in the United Kingdom came to an end with the […]