Industry

Big spender: Ottawa commits billions to healthcare, boosts RRSP limits

(February 18, 2003) Armed with a larger than expected surplus and buoyed by a resilient Canadian economy, Ottawa opened up the federal coffers today, committing billions of dollars in new spending to healthcare, defence and the environment. The federal budget also includes some tax reduction measures, including a long-awaited increase in RRSP contribution limits. Budget […]

By Doug Watt |February 17, 2003

4 min read

Retirement savers, small-business owners, lower income families see tax benefits

(February 18, 2003) Retirement savers got a mixed tax break in federal Finance Minister John Manley’s first budget. RRSP contribution limits will go up but not as high as many expected. Still, the budget offered a glimpse of potential future tax assistance for retirement savings even as its focus was directed more toward small businesses […]

By Scot Blythe |February 17, 2003

7 min read

Industry insiders see

(February 18, 2003) It came as no surprise that there were no surprises in today’s federal budget. Reaction from three financial services industry insiders contacted by Advisor.ca ranged from mild indifference to deep concern for Canada’s future economic health. “One of the things that really does concern me is the huge increase in government spending,” […]

By John Craig |February 17, 2003

3 min read

RRSP increase disappoints industry associations; anti-fraud initiative garners praise

(February 18, 2003) Facing an emotionless opposition, Finance Minister John Manley strayed from his prepared budget speech at one point and asked, “Some of this you must like?” Besides a few laughs, there was nothing. Reaction from the country’s industry association leaders was a bit more animated, however. RRSPs, debt reduction and capital taxes turned […]

By Staff |February 17, 2003

3 min read