Good Compliance Habits for Small Business

Getting all your ducks in a row doesn't have to be a chore. Done right, it's almost like breathing ... you aren't even aware you are doing it.

Check out the latest articles below ... right after the intro.

Beyond the Spreadsheet ... Because Life Happens

Make this the year you incorporate self-care into your daily routine so you are around for your family!

Establish clear work boundaries and follow them by outlining your availability and response times to alleviate any confusion. You deserve one full day off a week to recharge your batteries, maybe even two days in a row.
Remember every once in a while to stop, stretch, and JUST BREATHE!
Think about reinstating recess this year if you work indoors. Get outside for 15 minutes to let natural light energize you.
Eat breakfast. Don't have time? Try out Dr. Will's fast, easy, and healthy breakfast smoothie.
Stay hydrated by drinking water to stave off fatigue and concentration issues.
Schedule exercise time three times a week (maybe try a HIIT routine; they are quick and effective).
Reach for progress not perfection with your business work habits as well as with your diet routine by making choices that are just a little bit better based on where you are now.
Striving for thirty (30) plant points a week makes improving your diet easy. Incorporate a variety of plant based foods (nuts, seeds, oils, whole grains, legumes, beans, fruits, and vegetables) into your existing eating habits to have a healthier gut biome. You'll feel better which means you'll get more done with less effort.

Enjoy Your Visit! Laura

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Apr 29, 2026

2026 Spring Economic Update (SEU)

Here are a few measures from yesterday's 2026 Spring Economic Update that caught my eye and may affect Solopreneurs:

1. CPP Contribution Rate Reduction

Starting January 1, 2027, Canadians may see some relief in their payroll costs. The government plans to lower the base Canada Pension Plan contribution rate from 9.9 per cent down to 9.5 per cent through upcoming changes to CPP legislation.

2. Extended Support for Seasonal Workers

If you rely on seasonal workers in one of the 13 targeted regions, you will be glad to know that the enhanced support program for those workers is being extended through October 2028. The government has set aside roughly $356 million over the next five years to fund this extension.

3. Apprenticeship Investment and Trades Support

The government is committing over $3.4 billion during the next five years to help more apprentices complete their training and transition into stable careers in the trades. Two notable incentives stand out:

-> Financial support during training: Apprentices attending mandatory in-class technical training will be eligible for a $400 per week top-up on top of their Employment Insurance benefits, with a maximum payout of $16,000 per apprentice.

-> Rewards for completing certification: Apprentices who earn their Red Seal trade certification will receive a one-time $5,000 completion bonus, along with income support to help bridge the gap between training and employment.

Businesses receiving significant federal funding will also be encouraged to actively recruit and retain skilled trades workers.

4. Easier Trade and Labour Mobility Across Canada

The federal Free Trade and Labour Mobility in Canada Act is now law. It requires regulators to recognize equivalent provincial and territorial standards, which means fewer bureaucratic hurdles for businesses operating across provincial borders and for skilled workers looking to work in different parts of the country.

5. Bigger Tax Deduction for Tradespeople Who Relocate

Tradespeople who need to travel or relocate for work will benefit from an expanded Labour Mobility Deduction. Beginning with the 2026 tax year, the maximum annual deductible expense limit jumps from $4,000 to $10,000 and will be adjusted for inflation going forward. The minimum relocation distance requirement is also being reduced from 150 kilometres to 120 kilometres, making the deduction accessible to more workers.

Sources: Department of Finance, Spring Economic Update 2026 - Chapter 1: Building Canada: All for Canada 1.4 Expanding Trade at Home and Abroad; Chapter 2: Benefitting Canadians: A Canada for all 2.1 Supporting Workers and Young People

Apr 29, 2026

Bank Of Canada Holds Interest Rates

Bank of Canada held interest rates steady at 2.25% given the evolving conflict in the Middle East and the U.S.'s continued trade policy. Both events continue to create uncertainty and "reshape global trade patterns".

Source: Bank of Canada News Release, April 29, 2026, Bank of Canada maintains policy rate at 2¼%

Continue reading "Bank Of Canada Holds Interest Rates"

Apr 27, 2026

CRA Audit-Ready Books for the Self-Employed | Next Steps

Want audit-ready books or worried about a CRA letter? Learn what CRA reviews and audits mean, what happens next, and how to protect yourself.

Continue reading "CRA Audit-Ready Books for the Self-Employed | Next Steps"

Apr 24, 2026

CRA Compliance and Financial Resilience for Self-Employed Canadians

Friends having a relaxed conversation over coffee

Exhausted and overwhelmed? Start here. Cut through the noise with a free practical roadmap to CRA compliance and financial resilience for Canadian solopreneurs.

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Apr 18, 2026

The Platform Economy | Why CRA Is Watching Online Income in 2026

Seller checking Amazon marketplace app on smartphone

The platform economy is one audit trigger in the spotlight. CRA has this on their 2026 audit project list, meaning gig income will receive higher scrutiny.

Continue reading "The Platform Economy | Why CRA Is Watching Online Income in 2026"

Apr 15, 2026

CRA Compliance Filing Basics | Canadian Self-Employed

Self employed filing compliance return online late hours in the night at home

Explainer on CRA compliance filing basics, why it matters, getting organized, along with next steps when something goes sideways for you.

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Apr 06, 2026

Tax Compliance for Small Business | Canadian Filing Deadlines

Get all your ducks in a row so you file on time!

Tax compliance filing deadlines for small business owners - GST HST returns, payroll remittances, income tax returns and instalment payments, subcontractors

Continue reading "Tax Compliance for Small Business | Canadian Filing Deadlines"