Industry

Budget 2009: Reaction mixed among industry groups

The Canadian life and health insurance industry welcomed the broad-ranging fiscal stimulus measures set out in the Economic Action Plan announced by Finance Minister Jim Flaherty. “The industry is supportive of initiatives to promote financial stability and maintain efficient and well-functioning markets, as well as the tax relief provided to Canadian consumers,” said Frank Swedlove, […]

By Kanupriya Vashisht |January 28, 2009

5 min read

Briefly: “Canadians expect to work past 65” and more of Wednesday’s news

It is increasingly likely that your clients will continue to work past the traditional age of retirement, according to a study by Sun Life Financial. Nearly half of Canadians said they believed they would work past 65, partly due to financial losses suffered in 2008’s market downturn. Fortunately, this is only part of the reason […]

By Staff |January 28, 2009

4 min read

Budget 2009: Industry associations cautiously optimistic

This year’s federal budget has evoked cautious optimism from an industry turned cynical by the current financial climate. Greg Pollock, CEO and president of Advocis, doesn’t remember seeing such a broad-based budget in a long time. Given the tough economic conditions, not just nationally but globally, he thinks the budget takes a rather balanced approach. […]

By Kanupriya Vashisht |January 27, 2009

3 min read

Budget 2009: Tax cuts aimed at middle class

Markets are in the toilet which means most clients with invested assets are feeling the pinch in some way — especially if they are retired and obligated, under federal government rules, to liquidate their assets to comply with mandatory registered income fund withdrawals. If the budget passes, they may just get a break in this […]

By Kate McCaffery |January 27, 2009

7 min read