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By Ryan Goldsman, CFP®, PAIP®

            Last week we discussed Canada’s stress test which led to an interesting question, and many interesting comments from readers: Why is the maximum mortgage amortization in Canada no more than 25 years?

By Ryan Goldsman, CFP®, PAIP®

            In 2016, Canada’s introduced the “stress test” for all new insured mortgages. In 2018, it was expanded to include all non-insured mortgages. Without a doubt, the “safety first” approach was a good intention to guard the housing market from a systematic collapse, but the question remains if it was actually needed.

By Ryan Goldsman, CFP®, PAIP®

            The past few months have been eventful in Canada’s wireless industry. To begin with, the well-known wireless provider in the west of the country, Shaw Communication (TSX:SJR.B), was purchased by Rogers Communications (TSX:RCI.B), and the deal received regulatory approval. As a result, the new entity would be required to divest its interest in Freedom Mobile (which was owned by Shaw).

By Ryan Goldsman, CFP®, PAIP®

            Just like the federal government, the province of Quebec recently tabled its budget which contained at least one very interesting aspect. Just like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) provides retirement benefits which can be started at any time between the ages of 60 and 70, with age 65 being the normal retirement date.

By Ryan Goldsman, CFP®, PAIP®

            Don’t let the headline fool you, Canada does have a housing crisis, but it was 100% preventable and still is. The housing crisis has not resulted from a failure to act, but instead has resulted from action taken by the Federal government.