BC Finance Minister Kevin Falcon announced last Friday that the HST rebate amount on new homes has now been increased. Homes purchased up to $850,000 will now be eligible for a rebate up from the original amount $525,000. This announcement has people in the housing industry feeling optimistic about the home sales and construction in BC. After the HST was introduced and then voted out, the housing industry in BC saw a sharp decline with many construction projects stalled or cancelled due to lack of sales. The increased rebate amount …

The last of the HST Ontario sales tax transition benefit cheques began hitting mailboxes late last week. This last round of transition cheques have been postdated for June 10 and mailed early to Ontario residents in order to avoid any delays resulting from the rotating postal strikes across the country. Those residents who have opted for the direct deposit option are expected to receive funds no later than Friday, June 10.
While some financial institutions will process and accept postdated cheques prior to the date, Ontario Ministry representatives are recommending that …

Canada Post is currently in labour talks with a possible strike on the horizon. Although negotiations look promising British Columbia and Ontario governments have taken precautions to ensure that HST cheques and the ballots for the upcoming B.C. referendum will still be mailed out on time.
The provincial government in B.C. has also sent out welfare cheques early to side-step the possible ramifications of a postal strike including delay of payments.
Last week Canada Post assured Canadians that tax rebate cheques, government services and programs will be mailed out even if a …