Ontario is facing a significant challenge in retaining and recruiting teachers, and the impact is being felt directly in classrooms across the province. For Janu Gopalapillai, a Scarborough mother of five, the issue has hit close to home. Her daughter, a Grade 7/8 French immersion student at General Crerar Public School, has been without a Continue reading
Alberta Unveils New Payment Model for Family Doctors
After months of deliberation, Alberta’s UCP government has unveiled a new pay model for family doctors, aiming to improve healthcare access and retain physicians within the province. Premier Danielle Smith and Health Minister Adriana LaGrange announced the new initiative during an afternoon press conference on Thursday. A Strategic Focus on Physician Retention and Recruitment The Continue reading
Alberta’s Share Unclear in Actuary’s $334B Pension Plan Report
The Alberta government has confirmed receiving a report from Canada’s chief actuary regarding its potential exit from the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). However, the long-awaited analysis did not include a specific figure or formula for calculating how much the province might be entitled to. Alberta Awaits a Definitive Pension Calculation After months of anticipation, Alberta’s Continue reading
Canada Disability Benefit: New Rule Exempts Payments from Taxes—What It Means for You
Major Tax Relief for Canadians with Disabilities The federal government has proposed a game-changing amendment to the Income Tax Act, ensuring that payments from the Canada Disability Benefit will not be treated as taxable income. This announcement, part of the fall economic statement released on Monday, aims to maximize the benefit’s impact for recipients and Continue reading
Major Centrelink Payment Shake-Up: Foreign Currency Cheques to Be Phased Out This Week
A significant change is coming into effect for Aussies living overseas who use Centrelink services. Starting this week, foreign currency cheques and international money orders will no longer be accepted as payment methods. Why Are Foreign Cheques Being Phased Out? From December 19, Services Australia will no longer process payments made via foreign currency cheques Continue reading
OAS Clawback in 2025: How to Protect Your Retirement Income
What is the OAS Clawback? The Old Age Security (OAS) clawback, or OAS pension recovery tax, is a mechanism where the Canadian government reduces your OAS payments if your income exceeds a set annual threshold. Designed to ensure fair allocation of benefits, it applies to higher-income retirees. If your income surpasses these limits, you may Continue reading
Maximizing Retirement Income: Working While Receiving CPP Benefits
The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) is a vital source of retirement income for Canadians. By contributing throughout your working life, you become eligible for a monthly pension during retirement. The amount you receive depends on the duration and amount of your contributions. When Should You Start Receiving CPP? The CPP offers flexibility in choosing when Continue reading
Welfare Boost for Over 1 Million Aussies Jan 1, 2025: What You Need to Know About the Increase
As 2025 approaches, over one million Australians reliant on social security payments are set to receive a welcome boost. From January 1, welfare payments will increase by 3.8%, an adjustment aimed at keeping up with inflation and the rising cost of living. Key Changes to Welfare Payments These adjustments are part of the government’s annual Continue reading
How the Holiday Season Will Affect Your Centrelink Payments: A Complete Guide
As the holiday season approaches, it’s important for Australians receiving Centrelink payments to plan ahead. Centrelink has adjusted reporting and payment dates to accommodate the Christmas and New Year closures. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure you don’t miss your payments or need-to-know updates. Centrelink Holiday Closure Dates Centrelink offices and phone lines will be Continue reading
How Rising Interest Rates Are Pushing Homeowners to the Edge: High Incomes, High Stress
Australia’s high-income earners, once considered financially secure, are grappling with soaring mortgage repayments and living costs due to relentless interest rate hikes. Even those earning upwards of $400,000 annually are feeling the strain, with many turning to drastic measures such as downsizing, moving in with family, or cutting expenses to stay afloat. The Impact of Continue reading