How Canada Prepared for the Crunch

Looking back just a little, the current recession took hold in 2007 when the inflated U.S. real estate bubble exploded. The speed with which the downfall snowballed surprised many but did provide enough time for legislators to take early action. The Canadian government, under Prime Minister Stephen Harper, was one of the first to prepare for the coming financial challenges.

The first step was introducing legislation in 2007 for permanent tax reductions for Canadian homes and businesses. As the recession hit the U.S. in early 2008, these new tax cuts took effect, helping sustain consumer spending and pumping billions of dollars into the Canadian economy. The lower GST is a blessing for individuals who have more of their hard earned dollars to spend. Canadian businesses now benefit from the lowest corporate tax rate among G7 industrialized countries, providing cash for continued corporate growth and creating new jobs.

During the country's strong economic years in 2005-2006, the government wisely reduced the national debt by $37 billion. By entering this recession period with a low debt burden, the government has had flexibility to run a short term deficit and provide funds for job creating investments and other economic stimulus programs.

Another preventive measure undertaken by the Harper government was regulating the mortgage market. The maximum term was reduced to 35 years and a minimum 5 percent down payment is required for government-backed mortgages.

Finally, responding to a cautious banking sector, the government has enacted programs to provide access to financing for consumers, households, and businesses. The government has not replaced private lending but, rather, is working in a cooperative effort with financial institutions to encourage lending and provide a network of guarantees.
 
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Credit Now Available From The Federal Government

A person needs oxygen to survive. A business needs credit. Even in the most difficult of times, the flow of oxygen remains uninterrupted. Not so, however, with credit.

Many a business has seen its line of credit be reduced or cancelled over the course of the last year. Financial institutions, seeking to reduce risks on unsecured or unstable credit lines, have made obtaining funds ever more difficult. This move has dealt a crippling or death blow to many small businesses in Canada.
Under Canada's recent Economic Action Plan, designed to stimulate and strengthen the Canadian economy, the Federal government is sponsoring a program that will work with financial institutions in the private sector. The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) will provide loans and other forms of credit support to creditworthy businesses. At least $5 billion has been allocated in loans and other forms of credit support for business enterprises with viable business models but, for various reasons, have limited or no accessibility to financing.

The BCAP is a joint venture between two financial Crown corporations and private Canadian financial institutions. The steering committee is comprised of senior representatives of all sponsoring parties whose experience and commitment have establishes a program with initial promising results. Similar to credit issues, discussions are also being conducted to examine ways of providing accounts receivable insurance.

Business owners and entrepreneurs seeking assistance through this program to support their established operations and preserve jobs should contact their financial institutions to discuss their needs and eligibility. Your financial representative can advise you which program is best suited for your particular situation.
 
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Is Canadian Employment on the Rise?

Statistics are like a cat. Rub its fur one way and it purrs; rub the other way and the results are somewhat less positive.

So it is with employment figures released by Statistics Canada for the month of August 2009. Stephen Harper's Conservative government is giving a positive spin to the 27,100 net jobs gain for the month. The announcement triggered an eight-tenth of a cent rise in the Canadian dollar, although higher crude oil prices may also have influenced the dollar's rise. Some leading economists have announced that this is an indication of the end of the recession. All this sounds rather encouraging.

Critics, though, are quick to note that many Canadians are not feeling quite as positive. Most of the new jobs were part-time only. The number of unemployed rose in August by 21,900, bringing the total number of unemployed Canadians to 486,000 since the global financial crunch of October 2008. The decline in the manufacturing sector has continued, although construction has begun to stabilize. Most of the new part-time jobs were in the lower paying service sector. Higher paying, high productivity work fell by 17,300 positions. Full-time work continues to be in a decline.

Certainly, there is cause to be optimistic. As one economist stated, half a job is better than no job. Economic indicators seem to point in a positive direction. But, one month of net growth may be far too early to establish a positive trend. Canada may well be on its way to economic recovery. Nearly half a million unemployed Canadians certainly hope so.

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Government Financing for Small Business

One of the most difficult results of the financial recession has been the drastically reduced amount of credit available to small businesses. Banks have become highly selective in granting loans – the lifeblood of many a business.

An important program in Canada's Economic Action Plan is the Canada Small Business Financing Program (CSBFP). This program is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses access financing. For-profit enterprises with gross annual revenues of $5 million or less may be eligible for loan amounts up to $350,000 and $500,000 for real property.

The CSBFP is administered by Industry Canada in partnership with private sector lending institutions across all the provinces and territories. In total, more than 1200 service locations have been established to facilitate business owners seeking loans. The government does not participate in the lending process, nor does it make the decisions. The final decision is solely at the discretion of the financial institution. However, in order to encourage lenders to make loans that they otherwise might not, the federal government will cover a portion of losses due to default. A lending institution with a portfolio greater than $500,000 will be eligible for reimbursement of losses up to 12 percent of its portfolio's value.

Loans to small and medium-sized businesses are not guaranteed under the CSBFP. Business owners should discuss their needs with a financial officer at a participating financial institution. Upon approval, the loan will be registered with Industry Canada.

This program is not available for farming businesses, not-for-profit organizations, or charitable and religious organizations.

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Small Business – Less Tax

However you dissect the finances of a business, specifically a small business, cash is the primary component of the bottom line. The more cash in the coffers, the more flexibility the business has.


The current global recession has dealt extremely harshly with Canadian small businesses. Reduced sales and credit restrictions have pummeled the cash flow of many worthy enterprises.

The Canadian government, seeking to ease the plight of this important and large sector of the country's business community, has established several stimulus programs through its Economic Action Plan to provide much needed economic relief. Realizing that continued growth of small business is dependant upon available cash, the federal government has passed legislation that increased the amount of small business income eligible for a reduced federal tax rate of 11 percent. Effective January 1, 2009, the eligibility cap was raised from $400,000 to $500,000. Canadian-controlled private corporations that claim the small business deduction are eligible for this credit. By increasing the eligible income by 25 percent, the federal government is helping small businesses retain more of their hard-earned cash. This, in turn, will help stabilize the business community, create new, much-needed jobs, and promote economic growth throughout the nation. It is estimated that this reduced tax rate will cost the country more than $120 million over the next two years. However, with nearly half a million Canadians out of work, it is a wise investment and money well spent.
Canadian businesses can obtain detailed information from the applicable federal government agencies.

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When Business Needs Cash

Strangely enough, the best and easiest time to raise cash for your business is when you don't need it. Cash and credit are the lifeblood of any business. However, when your business is in serious need of a cash injection, that is the hardest time to secure a loan. Raise cash for a rainy day when you're flush.

Lending institutions are in the business of making a profit on money that they lend. Therefore, a strong business is a far better prospect than a troubled one. The stronger a business' position, the better the terms it can secure on financing. Thus, when your business least needs a cash influx, go shopping for money. Proudly walking in the door of a financial institution with one's head held puts you in the driver's seat. Even in today's markets when banks are being far more selective, they prefer lending money and providing credit to strong, secure businesses. A smart bank seeks to limit its risks.

Experts suggest taking several advance steps while you're on strong financial footing. For example, draw down your credit line if you fear that rocky times are ahead. You may pay interest on unused funds but that's preferable to having the bank cancel an unused credit line.

While your company is still in its infancy, raise as much capital as you can from a variety of sources. It may be easier to sell your idea on paper rather than after reality sets in. Your initial excitement may be contagious to potential investors so use that to its maximum. New businesses often take time to show positive results. That early cash may help you get over the humps.

Be sure that you have a strong grip on your business. Learn to read the signs of impending problems and secure your financial grip before the situation becomes precarious.

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Shareholders Determine Executive Compensation

It's commonly known as say-on-pay policy. In the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, say-on-pay is mandatory. Now, as Canadians desire to be viewed as doing the right thing, say-on-pay will become policy at 13 Canadian corporations beginning next year.

Say-on-pay, although sounding like the name of a children's game, is by no means a game. It is a system whereby the shareholders of a corporation get to vote on executive compensation packages. Although the policy is merely advisory, it is by no means to be taken lightly. The board of directors is not obligated to follow the express directives of the shareholders. However, the vote by the shareholders - whether to increase top executive compensation, decrease executive pay, or leave it as is – can send a clear message to the board members.

In countries that regularly implement a say-on-pay policy, top company executives invest a good deal of effort to court shareholder votes. While they certainly have a vested interest in the outcome, the important factor is the open lines of communication between shareholders and corporation management. Regular discussion between the investors and operations is extremely important. The goal behind encouraging shareholders' input is to break down the barrier that currently exists and allow management to understand how their investors view the company's performance.

In an effort to encourage widespread acceptance of the say-on-pay policy, the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance is working on a model policy for boards to implement, including the wording of the actual resolution put to shareholders. As shareholders are likely to vote based on overall feelings and ignore the specifics, the Coalition hopes that the wording of their resolution will help shareholders focus their thoughts.

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It's Start-Up Time

The recession is in bloom. People fear for their jobs. The economic future is questionable. It may be the perfect time to start your own business. Though it sounds rather absurd, this may be the ideal time to become self employed. True – self employment is not easy but, in a climate where one is never certain how long they will be guaranteed a regular salary, being your own boss may provide the best security for the present and the future.

Starting your own business carries certain risks. However, by following a basic blueprint, you will start with the right foot forward.

Before all else, prepare a business plan. Put your ideas, thoughts, research, and projections in writing. This will help you review your proposal as well as become an important document for outside investors.

The best idea can fall flat if you can't sell your product or service. Conduct your market research before you hang out your shingle. Carefully identify your potential customers and calculate whether a viable market exists. Don't be shy about seeking advice from more experienced players in the field.

Small businesses can readily get bogged down in government bureaucracy. It is wise to consult with experts who have dealt previously with the red tape.

Prepare a realistic cash flow projection. In the early stages of your business, check your financial statements daily. Consult with seasoned financial professionals to ensure that your projections are on the mark. You should be projecting the first two years in advance.

It may be difficult to raise the initial seed capital for your business. Most likely, friends and relatives will be the best address, as will former entrepreneurs who can appreciate where you are. The banks will likely wait until you are up and running.

Finally, we live in a world dominated by the internet. However, keep in mind that it is merely a technical tool. The success of your business depends on your personal effort and input.

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Are You Prepared for Retirement?

If you are a small business owner, the answer to this question may be a resounding "no." In studies conducted recently by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), the RBC surveyed small business owners across Canada. Almost a quarter of small business owners expressed a desire to retire within the next five years. However, only a small number are properly prepared or have any idea what the impact will be.

One of the primary stumbling points for retirement planning by small business owners is the question of succession planning. In the business world, transfer of the company to the next generation within one's family is most common. Only a third of small businesses survived succession to the next generation and only one third of these businesses were then passed on successfully to the grandchildren.

It is not always a question of poor planning. It may be that one's children are not qualified to take over the helm of the family business. Or, on the other hand, they may simply not be interested.
Sometimes, the founder is the business. Remove that dominant figure and the business ceases to exist. If one built a business and failed to make financial plans for leaving the business, he could face serious financial problems should the business cease to function.

The RBC study revealed that 62 per cent of small business owners in Canada were age 50 or older. This translates into a large number of future retirees in the next decade that must start planning for the golden years as soon as possible, if the transition from business owner to retiree is to be smooth and well provided for.

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Alberta Faces Record Deficit

With natural gas prices continuing to fall, Alberta's energy boom has come to an end. The immediate result is a growing deficit that has no immediate relief in sight. The latest forecast, revised from earlier predictions this year, indicate a record $7 billion deficit by year's end. Some economists believe that continuing weak gas prices will send the deficit above the $8 billion mark. This dour prediction is based on the assumption that the province is being overly optimistic about tax revenues. It is widely believed among economists that corporate taxes will fall well below figures recently published by the province's Progressive Conservative government.

Alberta's Finance Minister Iris Evans has issued orders to provincial offices to trim $430 million from provincial programs. The government itself is seeking to trim $2 billion from next year's budget.

The province's premier Ed Stelmach warned that the deficit is likely to remain in place for at least two years following the recession. However, he also announced that the deficit will be offset by $17 billion in emergency savings in the provincial Sustainability Fund. This amount will likely deplete the fund. However, it will enable the Premier to not implement any tax increases nor will the province have to cut jobs. The weakened economy has already contributed to a predicted jobless rate of 22,000 this year. Adding to the gloomy outlook is a forecast of negative 2.5 percent growth for the current year.

Despite a sorry economic forecast, the province is pleased to note that its population is continuing to grow. Economic hardships in other regions of the nation have caused a migration to Alberta. The premier announced that his province's population is expected to grow by 50,000 residents this year.

On the positive side, the provincial Heritage Savings Trust Fund suffered a $3 billion beating when the stock markets plunged. Recently, though, the Fund has shown a $1 billion recovery, allowing the province to transfer $730 million from the Fund's profits to the province's general revenues.

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