Who is Eligible for the Alberta $5000 Grant for Seniors: Apply and Appeal Process December 12, 2024December 12, 2024Emma If you’re a senior homeowner in Alberta with a low income, you may qualify for the Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) grant to help with essential home repairs. Here’s everything you need to know about eligibility, qualifying repairs, and how to apply. What is the SHARP Grant? The SHARP grant provides financial assistance Continue reading
Bank of Canada Announces Another Rate Cut and Updates Mortgage Rules December 12, 2024Kathy Hilton In the final interest rate announcement of 2024, the Bank of Canada reduced its benchmark rate by 50 basis points (bps), bringing it down to 3.25%. This rate cut, which follows a similar reduction in October, is being made amidst a slight uptick in inflation. The Bank’s decision marks its fifth consecutive rate cut, signaling Continue reading
Alberta Senior Benefit Payment Dates 2025: Eligibility & Appeal Process December 12, 2024December 12, 2024Emma The Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB) program provides financial assistance to low-income seniors in Alberta. This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about the program, including the payment schedule, eligibility requirements, how benefits are calculated, application steps, and the appeals process. Payment Schedule for 2025 The Alberta Seniors Benefit operates on a fiscal year Continue reading
City Tax Hike Remains at 2.65% After Monday Review December 12, 2024December 12, 2024Kathy Hilton Overview of the Proposed Tax Levy Increase Owen Sound’s city council has reviewed its draft operating budget, which includes a proposed 2.65% increase in the tax levy. While the draft budget remains close to the initial proposal, several changes were made during the council meeting held on Monday. These adjustments, including additional funding and contract Continue reading
How Canada Post Strike Affects Alberta Seniors Benefit Dec 2024 December 12, 2024December 12, 2024Emma As a Canada Post strike looms in December 2024, the Government of Alberta has implemented a contingency plan to ensure critical payments, including the Alberta Seniors Benefit (ASB), are delivered without interruption. Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and prepared. Government Plan for Uninterrupted Payments To safeguard timely delivery of vital government Continue reading
MadeGood Granola Bars Recalled Due to Potential Metal Contamination: What You Need to Know December 12, 2024December 12, 2024Sophie Wilson Riverside Natural Foods, the company behind the popular MadeGood granola bars, has issued a voluntary recall for several of its products over concerns of potential metal contamination. The recall affects products distributed across Canada, the United States, and other international markets. What Prompted the Recall? The recall was initiated after the discovery of a small Continue reading
Bank of Canada Reduces Key Interest Rate to 3.25%: Signals a Shift to Gradual Policy Adjustments December 11, 2024December 11, 2024Sophie Wilson The Bank of Canada (BoC) made another bold move on Wednesday, cutting its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to 3.25%. This marks the second consecutive half-point reduction, as the central bank continues to navigate an economy showing signs of slowing growth and stabilizing inflation. Fifth Rate Cut Since June The latest reduction is Continue reading
Ontario Electricity Support Program for Lower-Income Households: Eligibility & Amount December 11, 2024December 11, 2024Emma The Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) offers vital assistance to lower-income households by reducing their electricity bills. Administered by the Ontario Energy Board (OEB), this program provides direct monthly credits to eligible customers, helping to ease financial pressures while ensuring access to essential electricity services. How Does the OESP Work? The OESP reduces electricity costs Continue reading
Beware of $250 Working Canadians Rebate Scam Texts: Protect Your Information and Stay Safe December 11, 2024December 11, 2024Emma Scammers are preying on unsuspecting Canadians by sending fraudulent text messages claiming to offer instructions on how to deposit the Working Canadians Rebate. These deceptive messages are designed to steal personal information or money from recipients. It’s important to know that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) does not send text messages regarding benefits, credits, rebates, Continue reading
What is Ontario Low-Income Workers Tax Credit (LIFT)? How it Works December 11, 2024December 11, 2024Emma The Low-Income Workers Tax Credit, also known as the Low-Income Individuals and Families (LIFT) Tax Credit, is a valuable financial benefit for Ontario residents. This credit helps reduce or eliminate Ontario personal income tax (excluding the Ontario Health Premium) for eligible low-income workers, including minimum wage earners. Here’s everything you need to know to determine Continue reading
