Posts

Brexit causing headaches for many Canadian exporters

In about a month the United Kingdom could unceremoniously stumble its way out of the European Union—the patchwork of nation states that came together in the wake of the Second World War and gradually formed what was intended as a lasting political and economic federation unlike anything the world had ever seen. It would be […]

Canadian entrepreneurs worried about doing business in China should rest easy—for now

It would be an understatement to say that relations between Canada and China have hit an all-time low. For the business community, the rift is causing major uncertainty and trepidation. The question on many a Canadian CEO’s mind: Should we be doing business in China right now? The short answer is: yes. But more on […]

What’s the difference between tax avoidance and tax evasion?

In recent weeks we saw the publication of a landmark investigation into U.S. President Donald Trump’s business dealings surrounding the sweeping real estate empire built by family patriarch Fred Trump, all the way up to the present-day management of the business under Trump scions Donald Jr. and Eric. Indeed, the venerable New York Times declared […]

How trade wars can be the key to business diversification and growth

There’s nothing like an impending crisis to force Canadian entrepreneurs to become more creative in their business dealings, explore new markets and generally seek new ways to become even more innovative. Our slowly-escalating trade conflict with the United States is just such a moment in time when many business owners will begin to re-think their […]

CMHC makes it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain mortgages

It’s a proud moment for any fledgling entrepreneur. They start a new business and manage to make it a going concern. Perhaps they’re even taking a salary—a relative luxury for many business owners in the start-up phase—and can finally think about spending on themselves. Maybe a new home is at the top of that expenditure […]

Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne’s death offers business succession lessons for entrepreneurs

It’s a nightmare scenario for any organization whose brand or operational structure is largely built around the expertise and industry standing of a charismatic owner or leader: that individual’s sudden, untimely passing. Fiat Chrysler (FCA) was forced to deal with just such a crisis in recent weeks when longtime CEO and turnaround wizard Sergio Marchionne […]

You own a small business in Ontario—Here’s how to survive a trade war

When U.S. President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum in June, executives in those industries recoiled at the potential fallout, and warned of pending job and revenue losses. Economists promptly cautioned that the ripple effect wouldn’t be contained to those two sectors. Indeed, entire supply chains could face widespread disruption as the […]

New mortgage rules bring challenges for first-time home buying entrepreneurs

When the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions’ (OSFI) implemented new rules earlier this year designed largely to cool the red-hot housing markets in Toronto and Vancouver, many economists lauded the move. Indeed, housing affordability has emerged as a major issue in Canada in recent years, particularly in our largest cities. Many homes that […]

Sorry Mr. Morneau, Canadian entrepreneurs are not tax cheats

As Finance Minister Bill Morneau wrapped up his cross-country ‘listening tour’ to gauge Canadians’ reaction to proposed federal tax changes this week, it would have been easy to confuse the minister’s message. He has made it clear the federal government is determined to promote greater fairness across the tax system, levelling the playing field for […]

The good, the bad and the ugly of Ottawa’s proposed corporate tax changes

The federal government last week took another step towards implementing sweeping tax changes that could have a disproportionate impact on small and medium-sized business owners across Canada. The Trudeau Liberals announced plans for a 75-day consultation period during which they’ll be seeking feedback on changes to three common tax-planning strategies for private corporations. The government’s […]