Q: I am a Permanent Resident and I just realized that my PR card has expired. I have booked

a trip that I have already paid for. Is it possible to get a new PR card in time?

PLEASE NOTE: If you are a Canadian Citizen this information does not apply to you. This information is for people who maintain their citizenship abroad and are legal Permanent Residents of Canada.

A: One of the primary topics that our office assists constituents with are matters concerning Citizenship and Immgration. Specifically, we have found that many Permanent Residents are unaware of the fact that PR Cards have an expiry date, which is five years from the date of issue. Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) does not issue reminder notices so it is up to you to remember and submit an application.

We recommend applying for a new card prior to expiry so that you are not caught  in an emergency situation without valid travel identification. However, if you find yourself in a situation with booked travel that is fully paid for and an expired PR Card, there is a possibility that you could receive a new card in time.

A complete application kit for the card is available at our office in the Burlington Mall. It is

possible to print the application from the website, however, there are two parts to the application

that are non-printable forms. You can request to have those forms mailed to you but it could take

a few weeks-time you may not have. Therefore, we recommend that you stop by and visit us to avoid further delay.

The application fee can be paid at your banking insitution using the fees receipt enclosed with the kit or you can provide credit card information on the application directly. When you get your photos taken, make sure that you ask for citizenship photos. Our office can look over your completed application to make sure that it is filled in properly and that everything necessary is included. We can make copies of the requested documents while you are hear as well (see the Document Checklist in the application kit).

With the completed application, you must include proof of travel which clearly shows the date of departure and that the trip has been paid for in full. This package should be sent express post to the processing centre. Ensure that you mark the outside of the envelope "URGENT-Paid Travel". If you provide our office with the postal tracking number we can follow up with the processing centre on your behalf. It is important to note that without the tracking number the package cannot be located due to the volume of mail they receive.

While they cannot guarantee the processing time, CIC makes every effort to issue the card in time to travel. Even with expedited processing, it could still take approximately 2 to 3 weeks from the time you mail your application to the time you are called to pick up your new card at the Hamilton CIC Office. If you believe there is a possibility you will not have your PR card in time for travel, please contact our Burlington office so that we can discuss other available options with you.

Q: I am planning to undertake some projects around my home this fall. Do I qualify to take advantage of the Home Renovation Tax Credit?

A: In Budget 2009, the Government announced the Home Renovation Tax Credit, a measure which will help to offset the cost of renovations for homeowners. The expenses can be claimed on the homeowner’s principle residence or cottage. Expenses incurred for rental units do not qualify. The credit will be based on eligible expenditures for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010.

To be eligible, expenditures incurred must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling. The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applies to expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in
a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%). A line will be included on the 2009 income tax form
in order to claim this credit. It is not necessary to submit proof, however receipts and other relevant documentation should be retained in case it is requested.

Types of eligible projects include renovating a kitchen, bathroom, or basement, HVAC, interior or exterior painting, or building an addition onto your home. For more information and to view an extensive list of eligible items please visit www. cra.gc.ca or call Mike’s office at 905-639-5757.

Q: When is the Government going to start the savings program for parents with a disabled child so that they can ensure their child's financial security in the future?

A: The Plan consists of three parts:

1. Parents, beneficiaries and others will be able to contribute to a RDSP. These contributions will be limited to a lifetime maximum of $200,000 with contributions permitted up until the end of the year in which the beneficiary turns 59 years of age.

2. Annual RDSP contributions will attract Canada Disability Savings Grants (CDSGs) at matching rates of 100, 200, or 300 percent, depending on family income and the amount contributed, up to a maximum lifetime CDSG limit of $70,000.

3. Canada Disability Savings Bonds (CDSBs) of up to $1,000 per year will be provided to RDSPs established by low and most-income families, up to a maximum lifetime CDSB limit of $20,000 and will not be contingent on contributions.

The RDSP product itself will be provided by banks and financial institutions, much like RRSPs and RESPs. The Government passes the necessary legislation and sets up the required regulations.

The legislation and amendments to the Income Tax Act and Regulations were passed with the second Budget 2007 Bill. Human Resources and Social Development Canada put out draft regulations for consultation on March 19. These consultations with financial institutions and other stakeholders are ongoing right now. These are the regulations that will allow financial institutions to build the systems to implement RDSPs. We are hoping for their final publication in June.