03/24/2025
Thinking about donating to a political party ahead of the April 28th federal election?
Political contributions at the federal level come with one of the most generous tax credits available — even more favourable than those for charitable donations.
Here’s how the tax credit works in 2025:
✅ 75% on the first $400
✅ 50% on the next $350
✅ 33⅓% on the next $525
✅ Maximum credit: $650, which you hit once you’ve donated $1,275
You can contribute up to $1,750 this year, but there’s no tax benefit on the amount above $1,275 — so for many people, that’s the amount to keep in mind.
A few things to keep in mind:
💡 Donations must be in cash, not in-kind.
💡 Only Canadian citizens or permanent residents can give.
💡 Contributions must go to a registered party, candidate, or riding association.
💡 One spouse can claim a donation made by the other, but receipts can’t be split — so donating separately may help maximize your credit.
You’ll claim it on your tax return using Line 40900, with the credit appearing up on Line 41000.
Keep in mind there are different rules and calculations for provincial donations as well.
Take a look at this additional resource from Elections Canada if you’d like to dive deeper:
The Electoral System of Canada
The Electoral System of Canada
02/07/2025
With the Trump administration now in power, there is a generational shift in economic thinking underway on a scale that has not been seen for decades.
Find my latest podcast here where I interview Dr. James Thorne, Chief Investment Strategist at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth.
Independent Perspectives Podcast - Simon Harry with special guest Dr. James Thorne
A Must-Watch Discussion on the Economic Future Under the Trump Administration!Join me as I sit down with Dr. James Thorne, Chief Market Strategist at Welling...
10/07/2024
The first edition of our Independent Perspectives quarterly newsletter has landed.
At the Simon Harry Wealth Management Group, our mission with Independent Perspectives is simple: cut through the noise. My team and I are dedicated to helping clients and all our readers look beyond the immediate to prepare for what lies ahead.
In the inaugural edition, we cover:
- What the U.S. Election Means for the Investment Landscape
- When Better Mortgage Advice Translates into Significant Savings
- New Practice and Client Experience Updates
I’m excited for the ways this newsletter will create opportunities to better connect with our clients and partners.
Read Independent Perspectives Q4 here: https://bigmail.wellington-altus.ca/t/v/2524c472-3327-4cff-aebd-64615b305ad8/0191b826-764e-7fdb-3cd6-756fcdb47f2c
09/05/2024
In his September edition of Market Insights, James Thorne, our Chief Market Strategist, explores the potential impacts of a second Trump administration’s trade policies, from historical precedents to possible bond market reactions.
While the outcome of November’s election is far from certain, it is important to prepare for the implications of either a second Trump or first Harris presidency.
Jim’s insights on the continuation of the U.S.-China trade war based on Trump’s first term as well as his assessment of Harris’s economic plan are incredibly illuminating and well worth reading.
September Market Insights: Trump's Trade War - Wellington-Altus
Tales of empires are as old as civilization itself. From ancient Mesopotamia to Rome, from the Mongols to the British, history is replete with stories of great powers that rose to dominate vast swaths of territory, only to eventually crumble under the weight of their ambitions. The United States of....
08/29/2024
Ahead of the long weekend, I would like to wish a Happy Labour Day to all those we work with here at the Simon Harry Wealth Management Group.
I would especially like to recognize the great people at Wellington-Altus and all the work they do. From research and compliance to marketing and administration, there is a dedicated team here that works diligently, day in and day out, to help us deliver first-class service to all our clients.
In our practice, we have:
Sylwia Przyslupski, my partner in our practice for nearly 20 years, who plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth operations and provides support to everyone who works with us.
Alexander Hutchison, RRC, our risk management specialist, who bridges the gap between our clients and insurance companies, making sure that policies are always up to date and aligned with our clients' needs.
Sean MacKay, who recently joined our practice and is dedicated to continuously enhancing our client experience, ensuring it remains best in class.
I want to extend my deepest thanks to them and all our team members for their continued hard work and commitment. Together, they help us provide superior client service and that’s always something to celebrate.
08/28/2024
While I usually prefer hanging art on my walls, this new addition feels special.
I was recently awarded the Fellow of the Canadian Securities Institute designation, Canada’s pinnacle financial services credential. This milestone is a major career achievement, and I’m honoured to join the ranks of the FCSI, standing alongside a distinguished group of industry professionals.
I’m so grateful to be in an industry where hard work is worth the effort. I remember seeing this title in my 20s and feeling like I may never get there. It sounds campy but dreams do come true…
03/18/2024
http://www.cbc.ca/player/play/2318735939932
Banking insiders reveal how sales pressure can harm Canadians
Current and former employees of Canada's big five banks speak out about what happens behind closed doors — the enormous pressure to push financial products to customers.
06/27/2023
So let me get this straight... According to Statistics Canada… higher interest rates are causing inflation?
How does this front page press release by Statscan affect YOUR asset allocation decisions?
The Daily — Consumer Price Index, May 2023
www150.statcan.gc.ca
06/12/2023
Longevity will present interesting challenges and opportunities. Great article about spouse outliving children and the issues that arise in estate planning in the modern age.
B.C. case examines what happens when spouse outlives children | Investment Executive
www.investmentexecutive.com
10/21/2022
Here is a conversation with Jonathan Lo from AGF Investments about what is going on in markets and how different investments are affected.
If you have questions or concerns about your investments, call or email and I'll be happy to help in any way I can.
An Interview with Jonathan Lo, VP of Growth Equities with AGF Investments – Simon Harry Wealth Management Group
advisor.wellington-altus.ca