Show me their money  Canada’s vibrant economy owes much to the contributions of its diverse immigrant population. Here are five ways new immigrants play a pivotal role in driving economic growth: Meeting Labor Market Needs: Immigrants fill critical gaps in the labor market. Many employers struggle to find suitable Canadian-born workers for specialized roles. Immigrants, particularly those in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, bring valuable skills. The Express Entry program facilitates the transition of skilled temporary f ..read more

Tax and go Toronto landlords and homeowners are expressing shock and frustration over the continued enforcement of the Vacant Home Tax (VHT). The City of Toronto has received more than 55,000 complaints this week about its vacant home tax notices of assessment from homeowners, mostly seniors, who claim their properties were occupied last year. Despite the city’s efforts to communicate the requirements of the Vacant Home Tax (VHT), many homeowners have been caught off guard by the tax. This tax, which was implemented in 2022, is designed to increase the supply of housing by discouraging owners ..read more

 “The best things in life are free, but sooner or later the government will find a way to tax them.” Canada’s tax reputation is generally seen as high, and the country ranks as one of the world’s top 25 highest-paying tax nations. How to pay less taxes in Canada is therefore always a good question to ask. Here are 8 legal and responsible ways to reduce your taxes in Canada: Maximize your RRSP and other Tax-Advantaged Accounts: RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans): Contribute to your RRSP within your limit to reduce your taxable income for the year. Remember, these contribu ..read more

Two worlds in one Disney has taken a bold step into the world of African animation with its latest offering, “Iwájú”. The six-part series, now streaming on Disney+, introduces viewers to a futuristic version of Lagos, where technology, culture, and adventure collide. Kidnapping in Nigeria also showed its ugly face in the series as well. “Iwájú” follows the journey of Tola, a spirited young girl navigating the bustling streets of a sci-fi Nigerian megacity. Here, luxury cars soar above vibrant markets, supervillains wield bionic arms, and AI pets are essential companions. The series ..read more

“The sky is the same color wherever you go”- Persian Proverb  The 24th Annual Baharan Event taking place at the elegant Venetian venue in Toronto on March 23rd, marks a significant milestone in celebrating Nowruz—the Persian New Year. This event has a rich history, spanning 24 years and has become a cherished tradition for the Iranian community in Toronto. The sold-out Baharan Event reflects its popularity as a platform and festive atmosphere for connecting with friends, family, and fellow culture enthusiasts to celebrate Nowruz. Iranians in Toronto would be mesmerized by Morteza’s ..read more

In the latest World Happiness Report, Canada has secured the 15th spot. Though Canada has dropped from its previous 13th position, the latest ranking reaffirms its status as one of the world’s happiest nations. The report, which evaluates 156 countries based on factors such as GDP per capita, social support, life expectancy, freedom to make life choices, generosity, and perceptions of corruption, has placed Canada in the top tier of global happiness. This year’s ranking reflects Canada’s consistent performance in fostering an environment that promotes well-being and contentment among its citi ..read more

What you think is what you get Are you an aspiring entrepreneur or newcomer to Canada, looking to turn your business idea into reality, but traditional bank loans are out of reach? Here are some alternatives to the banks for starting or growing your business in Canada. Bootstrapping Often, the ideal scenario is to use your capital, however small, for a jumpstart and then let the business feed off of its revenue. Bootstrapping has become quite popular, especially because starting a new business is cheaper than ever. Pros You can start with minimum capital You retain all the equity and control ..read more

Black businesses really matter  Anticipation is building as the Black Pitch Contest, a ground-breaking initiative by the Black Entrepreneurs and Businesses of Canada Society (BEBC), gears up to announce its winners. Designed to elevate Black entrepreneurs and their visionary business ideas, this contest has captured the attention of innovators across the nation. The black-pitch-contest isn’t just about cash prizes; it’s about amplifying Black entrepreneurship in Canada. Here’s what you need to know: The Prize: Participants stand a chance to win up to $25,000 in cash prizes. This funding ..read more

Know thyself Over 70,000 separate thoughts race through our consciousness from the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep. Our minds are some of the busiest places in the universe. There’s hardly time for self-exploration, which helps to provide clarity and peace of mind. To appease the sources of our mental and emotional troubles, here are five questions to be rehearsed every evening on a regular basis: Question #1: What am I really worried about? This question recognizes something unusual about how we operate. We frequently don’t stop to ask ourselves what we’re truly worried about. O ..read more

“Lack of money is the root of all evil!” Building wealth is a marathon, not a sprint. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to accelerate your progress, especially for new immigrants to Canada. Here are 9 tips to shift you into the express lane to wealth and financial freedom: Live Below Your Means (But Make it Fun) This might sound boring, but it’s the foundation. Track your income and expenses (many budgeting apps can help). Find areas to cut back without feeling deprived. Turn down expensive nights out for board game nights with friends.  Living frugally allows you to channel more ..read more