“This recovery plan will create tens of thousands of jobs and make our economy more productive in the long run with the largest infrastructure build in Alberta history, with $10-billion in projects that will move people from unemployment to good jobs right now. Building roads, bridges, overpasses, water projects, pipelines, gas lines, schools, hospitals, long term care homes for seniors, drug treatment centres for those struggling with addiction, tourism infrastructure, and much more.”
Kenney says this investment is expected to lead to the creation of 50,000 jobs, and create a boost for surrounding businesses from restaurants to subcontractors to hotels. The investment represents about a 40 per cent increase over what had previously been budgeted in the capital plan for this fiscal year. Plans are also in the works to create 7,000 jobs for the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline.
The Provincial Government is also accelerating the Job Creation Tax Cut, and reducing the general business tax rate from 10 to 8 per cent, effective July 1. Kenney says this will create an attractive environment for new business investments, and be amongst the lowest rates in all of North America.
“This will accelerate the creation of an estimated 55,000 jobs, new full-time private-sector jobs, and stimulate, we estimate, $13-billion in economic growth.”
Toews says reducing the tax rate will have between a $200-300,000,000 impact on provincial revenues, and a $100-200,000,000 impact on next year’s revenues, but will create a competitive business environment that he says will lead to increased investments. He also says that, due to the reduced economic activity, Alberta will be losing billions of dollars in revenue this year, and it’s crucial to make these investments that create jobs and attract businesses.
There are also plans to launch the Innovation Employment Grant to attract the technology and innovation sectors. Kenney adds that, in order to support this initiative, the province will put $175-million into the Alberta Enterprise Corporation, and expand access to venture capital for early-stage start-up companies.
Plans are also in the works to create Investment Alberta, a new provincial agency dedicated to leading a world-wide campaign to attract job-creating investments, growing the network of international offices, and providing assistance and incentives to prospective investors.
Kenney adds that they will also try to put Albertans first for available jobs, by asking the Federal Government to reduce the number of occupational categories under the Temporary Foreign Worker Program for Alberta. He says by exercising their power under the Temporary Foreign Worker Annex through the Alberta-Canada Agreement on Immigration Cooperation, they will identify certain occupational opportunities that should not be processed for temporary foreign workers.
“We’re asking Ottawa not to process applications for temporary foreign workers in a range of dozens of occupational categories, the vast majority of occupational categories. And the reason for this is because, as I’ve said, we’re facing a real unemployment rate of between 20 and 25 per cent across all ages and skill levels. And it is extremely difficult for me to justify employers looking outside of Alberta, to bring people into a labour market in the midst of an unprecedented crisis.
“So what we are doing is telling employers, in the vast majority of occupations, that they will not, for the time being, be able to access the Temporary Foreign Worker Program.”
He acknowledges that there will be some industries that are exempt from this suspension of the program, as they require workers with specific skills that are in short supply in this province. However, Kenney adds that plans are in the works to create targeted training programs that would allow Albertans to get a foot in the door of these industries.
Kenney says most of these initiatives are still being developed, and further details will be announced in the coming weeks as the plans are finalized.
A full update of the financial and employment impact the oil price war and COVID-19 pandemic has had on Alberta’s economy is expected to be announced sometime in the summer.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was up more than 250 points in late-morning trading, led by strength in the base metal and technology sectors, while U.S. stock markets also charged higher.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 254.62 points at 23,847.22.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 432.77 points at 41,935.87. The S&P 500 index was up 96.38 points at 5,714.64, while the Nasdaq composite was up 486.12 points at 18,059.42.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.68 cents US compared with 73.58 cents US on Thursday.
The November crude oil contract was up 89 cents at US$70.77 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was down a penny at US2.27 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was up US$9.40 at US$2,608.00 an ounce and the December copper contract was up four cents at US$4.33 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 19, 2024.
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal steps that follow can add even more stress to an already difficult time.
For years, families in Vancouver (and Canada in general) have struggled with a complex probate process—filled with paperwork and legal challenges.
Thankfully, recent changes to Canada’s probate laws aim to make this process simpler and easier to navigate.
Let’s unearth how these updates can simplify the process for you and your family.
What is probate?
Probate might sound complicated, but it’s simply the legal process of settling someone’s estate after death.
Here’s how it works.
Validating the will. The court checks if the will is legal and valid.
Appointing an executor. If named in the will, the executor manages the estate. If not, the court appoints someone.
Settling debts and taxes. The executor (and you) pays debts and taxes before anything can be given.
Distributing the estate. Once everything is settled, the executor distributes the remaining assets according to the will or legal rules.
Probate ensures everything is done by the book, giving you peace of mind during a difficult time.
Recent Changes in Canadian Probate Laws
Several updates to probate law in the country are making the process smoother for you and your family.
Here’s a closer look at the fundamental changes that are making a real difference.
1) Virtual witnessing of wills
Now permanent in many provinces, including British Columbia, wills can be signed and witnessed remotely through video calls.
Such a change makes estate planning more accessible, especially for those in remote areas or with limited mobility.
2) Simplified process for small estates
Smaller estates, like those under 25,000 CAD in BC, now have a faster, simplified probate process.
Fewer forms and legal steps mean less hassle for families handling modest estates.
3) Substantial compliance for wills
Courts can now approve wills with minor errors if they reflect the person’s true intentions.
This update prevents unnecessary legal challenges and ensures the deceased’s wishes are respected.
These changes help make probate less stressful and more efficient for you and other families across Canada.
The Probate Process and You: The Role of a Probate Lawyer
(Image: Freepik.com)
Working with a probate lawyer in Vancouver can significantly simplify the probate process, especially given the city’s complex legal landscape.
Here’s how they can help.
Navigating the legal process
Probate lawyers ensure all legal steps are followed, preventing costly mistakes and ensuring the estate is managed properly.
Handling paperwork and deadlines
They manage all the paperwork and court deadlines, taking the burden off of you during this difficult time.
Resolving disputes
If conflicts arise, probate lawyers resolve them, avoiding legal battles.
Providing you peace of mind
With a probate lawyer’s expertise, you can trust that the estate is being handled efficiently and according to the law.
With a skilled probate lawyer, you can ensure the entire process is smooth and stress-free.
Why These Changes Matter
The updates to probate law make a big difference for Canadian families. Here’s why.
Less stress for you. Simplified processes mean you can focus on grieving, not paperwork.
Faster estate settlements. Estates are settled more quickly, so beneficiaries don’t face long delays.
Fewer disputes. Courts can now honor will with minor errors, reducing family conflicts.
Accessible for everyone. Virtual witnessing and easier rules for small estates make probate more accessible for everyone, no matter where you live.
With these changes, probate becomes smoother and more manageable for you and your family.
How to Prepare for the Probate Process
Even with the recent changes, being prepared makes probate smoother. Here are a few steps to help you prepare.
Create a will. Ensure a valid will is in place to avoid complications.
Choose an executor. Pick someone responsible for managing the estate and discuss their role with them.
Organize documents. Keep key financial and legal documents in one place for easy access.
Talk to your family. Have open conversations with your family to prevent future misunderstandings.
Get legal advice. Consult with a probate lawyer to ensure everything is legally sound and up-to-date.
These simple steps make the probate process easier for everyone involved.
Wrapping Up: Making Probate Easier in Vancouver
Recent updates in probate law are simplifying the process for families, from virtual witnessing to easier estate rules. These reforms are designed to ease the burden, helping you focus on what matters—grieving and respecting your dead loved ones’ final wishes.
Despite these changes, it’s best to consult a probate lawyer to ensure you can manage everything properly. Remember, they’re here to help you during this difficult time.
TORONTO – Canada’s main stock index was higher in late-morning trading, helped by strength in energy stocks, while U.S. stock markets also moved up.
The S&P/TSX composite index was up 34.91 points at 23,736.98.
In New York, the Dow Jones industrial average was up 178.05 points at 41,800.13. The S&P 500 index was up 28.38 points at 5,661.47, while the Nasdaq composite was up 133.17 points at 17,725.30.
The Canadian dollar traded for 73.56 cents US compared with 73.57 cents US on Monday.
The November crude oil contract was up 68 cents at US$69.70 per barrel and the October natural gas contract was up three cents at US$2.40 per mmBTU.
The December gold contract was down US$7.80 at US$2,601.10 an ounce and the December copper contract was up a penny at US$4.28 a pound.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 17, 2024.
