Author: Courrier Laval News
A survey of Canadians participating in the gig economy shows that a staggering 95 per cent do not feel confident that they are filing their taxes properly – and they may be missing out on claiming all applicable expenses and benefits. “There are a multitude of benefits and credits available to self-employed and freelance workers,” said Yannick Lemay, tax expert at H&R Block Canada. “One of the biggest things my clients ask me is what expenses they’re able to claim, and the short answer is a lot!” Here are some of the best refund-maximizing tips he shares with self-employed clients:…
Elevate your avocado game with this easy-to-follow ricotta-topped toast recipe, featuring zesty caramelized avocados and fresh figs. The perfect balance of sweet and savoury to start the day off just right or keep you energized after lunch. Fig and Ricotta Avotoast Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients 2 avocados from Mexico, peeled, pitted and quartered 1 cup (250 ml) ricotta ¼ cup (60 ml) honey 4 fresh figs, halved Zest and juice of 1 orange Fresh rosemary sprigs, to taste Sea salt 4 thick slices of toasted country bread or other, to taste Preparation In a…
Most of us habitually recycle junk mail, empty cans and other common household items that go into the blue bin. But there are several other items that are recyclable if you know where to take them. Recolour your world You should never pour leftover paint down the drain or into the sewer. Instead, many paint and building supply retailers have programs through which you can drop off cans with leftover bits of old paint to be recycled. Caffeine boost If you use a machine with coffee pods, many manufacturers offer mail-in or drop-off options to recycle the single-use containers. If…
Travelling can be stressful, but packing doesn’t have to be. If you’re flying, find out what’s allowed in your carry-on bag – before you leave the house. You can check out the “What Can I Bring?” online search tool from the Canadian Air Transportation Authority to find out if an item is permitted in your carry-on or checked bag or not at all. You just type in the name of the item (such as skateboard, video game console or baby formula), hit “search,” and it will tell you if it’s permitted and if there are any quantity restrictions. For example,…
From groceries to electricity, life has become a lot more expensive in Canada. With ongoing high inflation and fears of a looming recession, many of us are rightfully looking for new strategies to save money. Thoughtful tax planning is one way to save some cash. “With a little preparation, Canadians can keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets this tax season. By adopting a few key strategies, you can take advantage of opportunities to significantly save at a time when every little bit counts,” said Christine Van Cauwenberghe, head of financial planning at IG Wealth Management. Below are…
Whether shopping online, signing up for a newsletter or taking a virtual course, you’ve undoubtedly been asked to share personal information. Be aware of what personal information is and why you might be asked for it. Personal data includes anything someone could use to identify you – a phone number, date of birth or mailing address, for instance. As the name suggests – it’s personal. Online transactions do require you to provide some information, but it’s important to know how to maintain control over your own personal information. Here are four key tips: Avoid fields not marked with an asterisk…
Due to Christmas, many businesses and public services in Laval are modifying their schedules. As for the city of Laval, the citizen relations desk, the sales counter for cat and dog permits, tax, assessment, engineering and urban planning counters, citizen reception counters, neighbourhood police stations, community centres, the municipal court and social emergencies will all be closed on December 24 and 25. The gendarmerie will be open, while the police headquarters will not be accessible. The 311 telephone service will close at 1 p.m. today. It will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m on December 24 and 25.…
The Service de police de Laval (SPL) confirmed the death of the 37-year-old woman who was hit by a vehicle when crossing Cartier Boulevard on the evening of Dec. 6. The victim was crossing the boulevard to get to that terminus of the same name before being hit by a vehicle travelling east. At that time, she was transported to a hospital within minutes of the incident, and the SPL said they “feared for her life”. The driver, in her 40s, was treated for a nervous shock. That incident occurred less than two hours, after another collision between a vehicle…
For a second year, the Centropolis will host the Terrasses étoilées, allowing those interested to share a meal in one of the three bubbles fitted out, and heated on its Central Place. That experience, made in collaboration with Illumi, offers an interesting light concept that revolves around the polar world, including penguin and moose structures. As in 2021, six restaurateurs will take turns to offer a special, or regular menu in those bubbles. Juliette & Chocolat launched the initiative in the week of Dec. 5–11, being followed by Jack Astor’s restaurant for the period of Dec. 12–23. After a holiday…
An amount of $90,250 was raised on Thursday, Dec. 1, during Laval’s Media Food Drive. That includes two checks for $15,000, which were presented by the City of Laval and the Caisse Desjardins of Centre and East Laval. Laval’s multinational Couche-Tard also gave $10,000. The money raised during that day will be donated to the Centre de bénévolat et moisson Laval (CBML) and the Société St-Vincent-de-Paul. Observed Increase In addition, nearly $50,000 was raised during the street drive of that 22nd edition. It represents an 18 per cent increase from last year’s drive. Provincially, more than $2.8 million was raised…