Account Holders and Representation Agreements

(British Columbia only – because Representation Agreements are available only in BC, this post is only for BC residents.  Read about our collaboration with PLAN, CACL and others to improve the... Read More

Celebrating Our Accomplishments

Thirty years ago a group of dedicated Canadians made history by entrenching the rights of people with mental and physical disabilities in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  Their story is told... Read More

Should the Federal Government Enable a rollover of an RESP to a RDSP?

Families have been asking about the possibility of rolling over a Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) to a Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) almost since the RDSP was launched in 2008. ... Read More

Top 10 Improvements to the RDSP

While preparing for the federal government RDSP Consultations currently underway, I have formulated my top 10 list of reforms to improve the Registered Disability Savings Plan to make it more useful... Read More

A Solution for the Legal Capacity Barrier

Under current legislation and practices an adult, who is deemed not to have contractual competence by a financial institution, faces significant barriers in opening an RDSP outside of British Columbia. As... Read More

Treatment of RDSPs by the US Internal Revenue Service

We continue to have numerous inquiries about the US tax liabilities of RDSP beneficiaries and holders.  We posted on this question back in August: click here for the post. Our advice... Read More

New! Disability Benefits Navigator

It’s hard to turn away people who are asking for help. We handle calls from hundreds of people with disabilities and family members each week.  We can help many but not... Read More

Qualifying for the Registered Disability Savings Plan

…the second in a series to promote Financial Literacy The Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP) The Registered Disability Savings Plan is the best savings plan in Canada for people with disabilities. ... Read More

Minister Flaherty Launches RDSP Review

Finance Minister James Flaherty today launched a review of the Registered Disability Savings Plan.  This keeps his promise made shortly after the RDSP was launched in December 2008. On the one... Read More

Eliminating Risk versus Unleashing the Power of the Financial Services Sector

How public policy affects the behavior of financial planners and investment advisors. The Canada Disability Savings Regulations (4)(f) stipulate that financial institutions cannot charge fees related to the RDSP against the... Read More