Effective October 17, 2016, all high-ratio mortgages (those where a borrower puts less than 20% down) must satisfy a mortgage stress test. Essentially, a borrower must now qualify using a higher interest rate notwithstanding the fact that their lender is currently offering mortgages at a lesser rate. Q: What interest rate must now be used…
Prior to the 2016 federal budget there was a perceived abuse that certain corporate groups were benefiting from a multiplication of the small business deduction. To curb this behavior the budget introduced certain measures that aim to, amongst other things, prohibit a corporation from claiming the small business deduction on income received from certain private…
There’s been much discussion south of the border about the clash between the left and the right on the political spectrum. We’ve had similar examinations here in Alberta. I’ve been politically charged at times on various social media platforms. To be frank, I’m not that aligned with the hard right, and I find it unfortunate that…
How much does YOUR family spend in taxes each year? The Fraser Institute calculated that the average Canadian family paid $34,154 in taxes last year. Does that number seem hefty? The calculations include all ranges of taxes from business to goods & services. “The Vancouver-based think-tank estimates that the average bill for income taxes…
The 2016 Federal Budget was released on Tuesday. Many changes and additions to the budget were expected, and many were certainly not. The Federal Budget can affect you, your business, and your family. With many of the tax changes, you need to know which ones to stay on top of. We have outlined many of the…
Since the equalization system began, these are the Federal payment dollars that have gone out to the various provinces. Do you notice? • Quebec has received $198 Billion (half of the total payments) • Alberta has received under $1 Billion According to Gary Lamphier, between 2000 and 2014, on a net basis, Alberta’s individual…
Alberta’s real estate market is bracing for its worst year since the global financial crisis, as hopes dim that an economic recovery can stave off a broad housing correction.
We have officially moved to our new location. We are now located at 17229-103 Ave NW. Don’t let the curiosity get the better of you, come visit and say hello 🙂
OTTAWA — The Bank of Canada kept its key interest rate on hold at 0.5 per cent on Wednesday and said the country’s resource sector continues to adjust to lower prices for oil and other commodities. “These adjustments are complex and are expected to take considerable time,” the central bank said in its interest rate…
Yes it’s true our family at HGA has grown again! We would all like to send a very big congratulations to Tyson, Kim and Lily Breitkreutz on the arrival of their precious bundle of joy Quinn Marie.