Advocating for the financial security of Canadians

CALU engages in public policy advocacy for the benefit of individual Canadians and the small business community. Our approach is nonpartisan, collaborative and informed by sound analysis and technical expertise. CALU is committed to strong relationships with federal public policy makers and is proud to be a trusted advisor to the federal government.

Our public policy priorities

Public Policy Priorities

Download our Public Policy Priorities (PDF), highlighting our priorities and our recommendations to the federal government for legislative change .

CALU calls on the federal government to enhance the financial well-being of Canadians and family businesses through the following actions:

  • Small business tax reform: Commission an expert panel to review the tax rules governing small businesses
  • Self-employed individuals: Study the decline in self-employment in Canada since 2019 and take any necessary action to ensure the prosperity of this important economic pillar.

Update RRSP and RRIF rules to better support younger and older Canadians as follows:

  • Allow unused RRSP contribution room to be annually indexed to partially compensate for the loss of tax deferred savings due to delayed contributions resulting from other financial priorities.
  • Permit RRSP contributions to continue past age 71.
  • Modify RRIF payout requirements by:
    • Reducing the minimum payout formula so more funds can remain tax-sheltered over a RRIF holder’s lifetime.
    • Allowing RRIF holders to exclude up to $170,000 (indexed) from the application of the RRIF minimum payment formula until the individual attains age 85 similar to the purchase of an Advanced Life Deferred Annuity (ALDA).
    • Deferring the requirement to convert an RRSP to a RRIF to age 75.
  • Make more publicly transparent the factors used to establish the RRIF minimum payment formula and establish a regular process for its review to ensure it continues to meet the income needs of older retirees.

  • Provide a 35 percent refundable tax credit in respect of the cost of dental care programs for employees of small businesses.
  • Develop pharmacare using the same general approach as the federal dental plan: supporting those without prescription drug coverage while leaving workplace benefit plans intact.