In an August 22, 2017 Release (2017JTT0137-001468) it was noted that $1,500 grants were being offered to help resume operations for those affected by BC wildfires. Eligible organizations include small businesses, First Nations, and non-profits located in certain areas. For further details on qualification, or to apply for a grant, visit redcross.ca. Applicants have until October 31, 2017 to apply.
In an August 22, 2017 Release (2017JTT0137-001468) it was noted that $1,500 grants were being offered to help resume operations for those affected by BC wildfires. Eligible organizations include small businesses, First Nations, and non-profits located in certain areas. For further details on qualification, or to apply for a grant, visit redcross.ca. Applicants have until October 31, 2017 to apply.
ONTARIO BASIC INCOME PILOT – SOCIAL ASSISTANCE
The Ontario Basic Income Pilot, lasting 3 years, will include lower income participants chosen at random from certain areas in Ontario (Hamilton, Thunder Bay, and Lindsay), and will be restricted to those between the ages of 18 and 64. Monthly basic income payments will be responsive to changes in one’s income, family composition, and disability status. In a June 26, 2017 Technical Interpretation (2017-0704801E5, Wirag, Eric), CRA noted that the payments are based on an income test, and therefore constitute social assistance payments(Paragraph 56(1)(u)). Social assistance payments are generally required to be included in an income tax return, however, may also be deductible (Paragraph 110(1)(f)).
CANADA/U.S. BORDER TRACKING
In an August 31, 2017 Canadian Press article (Ottawa sharing info with U.S. Homeland security on all Americans entering Canada, Jim Bronskill) it was noted that data will be shared between Canada and the U.S.which includes a traveller’s name, nationality, date of birth, gender, the country that issued the travel document, and date and time of crossing.
The first phase of the project did not include the exchange of information on citizens of either country (only permanent residents, foreign nationals etc.). As an interim step, an agreement was signed which now allows Canada to supply information to the U.S. regarding American citizens. The Bill to permit the U.S. to share information on Canadian citizens is currently at second reading in the Senate.
