How to Time Your Student Loan Payback + MORE Feb 27th

Finance Minister Bill Morneau has said science, gender equality and preparing Canadians for the jobs of the future will be key themes in Tuesday’s federal budget. Here are some more details on what it is expected to contain.
Paternity Leave
The federal budget is expected to include a five-week, “use-it-or-lose-it”’ incentive for new fathers to take parental leave and share the responsibilities of raising their baby. The goal is to give parents a greater incentive to share child-rearing responsibilities so that new mothers can more easily return to the workforce. Quebec already has a policy with a paid, five-week leave for fathers that covers up to 70 per cent of their income.
Science
The budget is also expected to include a major financial boost to basic scientific research across Canada, which would address some of the concerns outlined last year in a national review of the state of fundamental science. That review recommended phasing in $1.3 billion more for researchers, scholarships and facilities over four years…

Investment in Canada’s oil and gas industry is expected to fall again this year as higher taxes and regulatory uncertainty persuade investors to spend elsewhere, says the head of a group that represents Canada’s oil and gas industry.
“We need some urgent action, now,” said Tim McMillan, CEO of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, citing in particular recently reduced corporate taxes and regulatory burden by the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
“We’ve seen other countries announce that in light of the tax changes just recently in the U.S. _ China, Japan, Russia _ have all said they’re going to look at their tax policies to ensure that they are competitive,” he said.
“No country is closer to or more challenged with competition with the U.S. than Canada.”
McMillan appeared at a news conference in Ottawa one day before the federal budget is to be presented but the event was cast as the introduction to a series of economic reports, not pre-budget advice…

TORONTO _ Cronos Group Inc. is set to become the first Canadian cannabis company to have shares listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market.
The Toronto-based firm says it expects common shares will begin trading Tuesday on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “CRON.”
Cronos will also retain its listing on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “MJN.”
CEO Mike Gorenstein says the company’s listing on Nasdaq reflects the “significant progress” Cronos has made in strengthening its corporate governance and expanding its global footprint.
Cronos operates Peace Naturals Project Inc. in Ontario and Original BC Ltd. in British Columbia.
The company also has multiple international production and distribution platforms in Israel and Australia, and access to 12,000 German pharmacies.
The post Cronos Group first Canadian pot company to begin trading on Nasdaq appeared first on Canadian Business – Your Source For Business News.

Canada’s energy sector – already struggling with pipeline constraints and a costly oil glut – says the new overhaul of the United States tax system is already siphoning away capital investment south of the border.

How should you schedule your student loan payments? Should you get rid of student debt as early as possible? To answer that, first look at all of your needs and financial obligations. Then weigh your options and choose the right payment plan.
Should You Pay Off Your Student Loans Early?
Image via Flickr by investmentzen
Depending on the type of loans you have and the amount of interest they accrue, you might not need to pay off your student debt early. For example, if you have a loan with a low interest rate, it would be wise to stick to a longer pay period. It might cost more in the long run, but you’ll have extra money on hand each month.
Not all of your extra money should go toward paying off student loan debt. You should plan ahead to build up your savings to prepare for your retirement and set aside extra money in case you have a medical emergency or lose your job. After accounting for your savings, prioritize your other expenses.
Do You Know How to Prioritize All Forms of Debt That You Carry?
You have to pay off student debt, but you also have to manage other forms of debt, such as a mortgage and a car loan…