Spring Economic Update 2026 (Ep. 38)

What actually changed in the Spring Economic Update, and what just sounds important? This episode breaks down what matters, what doesn’t, and where business owners should actually be paying attention.

In this episode, Frankie and Sarah are joined by Rebecca Adrian, CPA, CFP, National Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Canada, to discuss the latest Spring Economic Update and what it means from a practical tax and planning perspective. Together, they cut through the noise to highlight where there are real implications and where things are more about positioning than immediate action.

Frankie, Sarah, and Rebecca discuss: 

• The overall tone of the Spring Economic Update and why it feels more like a positioning document than a traditional budget
• Key themes, including balancing long-term economic stability with short-term affordability measures
• What business owners and taxpayers should (and shouldn’t) be reacting to right now
• Updates to the Disability Tax Credit and why improved access matters in practice
• Expanded affordability measures, including changes tied to the GST credit
• The Labour Mobility Tax Credit and what it signals about broader economic priorities
• What’s missing around expected tax legislation and guidance
• Ongoing concerns with dividend suspension rules and the unintended administrative burden they may create
• Employee Ownership Trusts being made permanent, and what that could mean for succession planning
• Why this period may signal a return to more stability and better opportunities for proactive planning

Resources:

• Spring Economic Update (Government of Canada)

Connect with Frankie Loreto and Sarah Netley: 

• Courtice.BakerTilly.ca
• LinkedIn: Baker Tilly Canada
• LinkedIn: Frankie Loreto
• LinkedIn: Sarah Netley
• Call: [phone]

Connect with Rebecca Adrian:

• LinkedIn: Rebecca Adrian
• LinkedIn: Baker Tilly Canada

About our Guest: 

Rebecca Adrian is a CPA and CFP and serves as National Tax Manager at Baker Tilly Canada. She specializes in tax planning and policy analysis, with a focus on translating complex legislation into practical insights for advisors and business owners. Rebecca works closely with teams across the country to interpret federal tax developments and guide strategic planning decisions.