Workers vote to end 'historic' nearly 10-month strike at Kanata nuclear facility
Workers have voted to end a nearly 10-month strike at a Kanata, Ont. nuclear facility after a marathon standoff between a disgruntled workforce and the company's multi-millionaire owner.
Unifor Local 1541 workers at Best Theratronics, a facility west of Ottawa that manufactures radiation therapy devices, had been on strike since last May.
The union, which represents most of the roughly 60 striking workers, reached a tentative agreement with the employer Saturday, and members voted unanimously Sunday to approve the new contract and bring the strike to an end, according to the union.
The union said workers will receive wage increases in each year of the new contract, adding up to 11 per cent in increases.
"Congratulations to the bargaining committee for making sure members were finally heard and respected," Unifor national president Lana Payne said in a Sunday afternoon news release.
"This was a historic strike in Unifor's books, highlighting the need for tougher labour laws that protect collective bargaining."
The workers had been without a contract since 2023.
Workers at Best Theratronics had been without a contract since 2023 and went on strike last May, they are seen on a picket line in February. (Submitted by Unifor)
After the company offered workers a package in January 2024 with a zero per cent pay increase for two years, Unifor members put down their tools on May 1, 2024. Their co-workers, represented by the Public Service Alliance of Canada, followed suit nine days later.
This January, about a year after the original offer and about nine months after the strike began, the company's owner Krishnan Suthanthiran entered negotiations with the striking workers.
Suthanthiran is an Indian-born multi-millionaire businessman who runs a group of global companies that manufacture medical devices. Now a resident of Virginia, he studied at Carleton University in the 1970s.
In news releases, Suthanthiran claimed losses of tens of millions of dollars at Best Theratronics, blaming what he described as the low productivity of Canadian workers and threatening to close the company.
Best Theratronics manufactures cyclotrons and medical equipment. It has a nuclear substance processing facility operating licence to handle radioactive material for manufacturing radiation therapy units and blood irradiators.
Last November, a federal labour board heard an unfair labour practices complaint against the company after two orders issued by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
Unifor accused Suthanthiran of not negotiating in good faith, while the owner accused striking workers of engaging in an "illegal blockade" of the facility.
As recently as last Wednesday, Unifor said Suthanthiran had suddenly shifted the "goalposts" during negotiations.
Unifor said some members will return to work as soon as Monday.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
DHL Express locks out workers across Canada, adding to parcel sector turmoil
MONTREAL — Unifor says DHL Express Canada locked out workers just after midnight today as the two sides failed to reach a contract deal, injecting more labour turmoil into the country's parcel delivery market. The union, which represents 2,100 truck drivers, couriers and warehouse workers across seven provinces, says they went on strike in response at 11 a.m. ET. Advertisement Unifor says the German-owned carrier is proposing to change the driver pay system and planning to use replacement workers before legislation banning them comes into effect on June 20. The work stoppage, which affects package delivery across the country, comes as Canada Post remains at loggerheads with 55,000 workers, whose union last month imposed an overtime ban that scales back parcel services. Unifor says a work stoppage could disrupt next weekend's Formula One Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal, where DHL is responsible for transporting the turbocharged race cars. Unifor says its bargaining priorities remain wages, working conditions and surveillance and automation in the workplace. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025. Christopher Reynolds, The Canadian Press
Time Business News
4 hours ago
- Time Business News
Navigating Homeownership in Texas: A Canadian Expat's Comprehensive Guide to Tax Complexities in The Woodlands
Introduction: When Opportunity Crosses the Border Your employer in Ottawa calls you into a Monday‐morning meeting and announces a career-altering transfer to The Woodlands, Texas. The upside is clear: world-class master-planned communities, towering pines, and proximity to Houston's booming business ecosystem. Yet with that same offer letter comes the practical question: should you buy a home in Texas, and what does that mean for your tax life on both sides of the border? Canadian citizens relocating for work quickly discover that cross-border real estate is less about granite countertops and more about treaty articles, withholding rules, and competing definitions of 'principal residence.' In this deep-dive, we unpack the layered tax rules triggered when a Canadian purchases—then eventually sells—a Texas property. We also show how partnering with a cross-border financial advisor skilled in cross-border tax planning and holistic Canada U.S. Financial Planning can turn potential minefields into manageable stepping-stones. 1. Profile of Our Relocated Canadian Meet Daniel, a 38-year-old software architect from Ottawa who will spend the next three to five years heading his company's U.S. product division. He moves with a spousal work permit, two school-aged children, and an eye toward laying down roots in The Woodlands. His goals: Purchase a family home within six months. Keep ties to his Canadian RRSP and corporate pension. Minimize cross-border tax friction during ownership and upon eventual sale. Avoid shocking surprises if he returns to Canada or remains in the U.S. long-term. Daniel's situation is typical of thousands of Canadian professionals sent south every year. The decisions he makes in the first twelve months will shape his tax exposure for a decade. 2. Why The Woodlands Appeals to Canadian Expats Before diving into taxes, it helps to grasp why The Woodlands is a magnet: No state income tax. Texas's lack of state tax is attractive, but the savings can blind newcomers to other levies—especially robust property taxes and potential federal implications. Texas's lack of state tax is attractive, but the savings can blind newcomers to other levies—especially robust property taxes and potential federal implications. Corporate campuses and energy corridor access. Many Canadian energy and tech companies maintain Houston-area offices. Many Canadian energy and tech companies maintain Houston-area offices. Lifestyle parity. Top-ranked schools, extensive green spaces, and family-friendly suburbs echo the comforts of Canadian metropolitan life. Yet each perk comes bundled with unique tax nuances that differ sharply from Ontario, Alberta, or British Columbia norms. 3. The Cross-Border Tax Landscape—Setting the Table 3.1 Dual-Tax Residency Tension Upon arrival, Daniel could be considered a resident of both Canada and the United States. Canada taxes worldwide income based on residency, while the U.S. taxes based on citizenship or substantial presence. Because Daniel is neither a USC nor a green-card holder, his U.S. residency hinges on the Substantial Presence Test (SPT). If he spends 183 weighted days or more during a calendar year—or elects residency under IRC §7701(b)(4)—he becomes a U.S. resident for federal tax purposes. Implication: Owning a Texas home can strengthen U.S. residency ties, but the Canada-U.S. Tax Treaty's tiebreaker rules may still assign him to one country. Understanding that interplay is critical before signing a purchase contract. 3.2 Capital vs. Ordinary Income Canada and the U.S. both treat real-property gains as capital in nature, but depreciation rules, currency fluctuation reporting, and the principal-residence exemption differ dramatically. 3.3 Withholding Regimes (FIRPTA) When foreign persons sell U.S. real estate, the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act (FIRPTA) generally requires buyers to withhold 15 percent of the gross selling price. Daniel might recoup a portion upon filing his U.S. return, but cash-flow pain is real unless planning steps are taken before listing. 4. Buying a Home in Texas—Step-by-Step Tax Concerns 4.1 Financing: U.S. Mortgage vs. Canadian HELOC U.S. Mortgage: Generally easier for local underwriters to evaluate, but Daniel must build two‐year U.S. credit history or rely on cross-border lender programs that accept Canadian credit reports. Generally easier for local underwriters to evaluate, but Daniel must build two‐year U.S. credit history or rely on cross-border lender programs that accept Canadian credit reports. Canadian HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit): Tapping equity in an Ottawa property introduces exchange-rate exposure and potential thin-capitalization issues if the HELOC is later converted to U.S. denominated debt. Pro Tip: Some Canadians structure purchases through cross-border lenders who report mortgage interest to the IRS on Form 1098, simplifying deductibility claims on a U.S. Schedule A. 4.2 Down-Payment Sourcing Large CAD-to-USD transfers trigger FINTRAC and U.S. anti-money-laundering forms. Banks may request Form 3520/3520-A filings if funds flow through Canadian trusts or corporate entities. Missteps can incur $10,000+ penalties, making early consultation with a cross-border financial advisor essential. 4.3 Texas Property Taxes & Homestead Exemption Texas eschews state income tax and instead funds schools and counties via property taxation. New arrivals often gasp at effective rates of 2–3 percent of appraised value. Claiming a homestead exemption can lower this burden, but Daniel must establish Texas residency (driver's license, voter registration) while ensuring he does not inadvertently sever Canadian ties too soon. 5. Canadian Tax Treatment During Ownership 5.1 Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) Limitation If Daniel keeps his Ottawa condo and designates it his Canadian principal residence, the Texas property accumulates non-resident capital-gain tax in Canada. Conversely, electing the Texas house as his PRE may jeopardize Ottawa gains. The formula is: Exempt years=years designated as principal residence+1years owned\text{Exempt years} = \frac{\text{years designated as principal residence} + 1}{\text{years owned}}Exempt years=years ownedyears designated as principal residence+1 5.2 Foreign Tax Credit (FTC) and Double Tax Relief When Daniel files his T1 return, gains from U.S. real estate remain taxable in Canada absent PRE coverage. However, he may claim a foreign tax credit for U.S. taxes paid, limited to the lesser of actual U.S. tax or Canadian tax on the same income. Coordinating the timing of sale to maximize FTCs—while avoiding Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) intricacies—is a classic value-add from cross-border tax planning . 5.3 Foreign Reporting (T1135) The Texas home, as foreign real property, must be reported annually if cost exceeds CAD $100,000. Failure to file T1135 triggers penalties averaging CAD $2,500 per year, plus potential gross-negligence fines. 6. U.S. Federal Tax Treatment During Ownership 6.1 Mortgage Interest & SALT Deduction Limits Post-Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, SALT (state and local tax) deductions are capped at USD $10,000. Property taxes alone in The Woodlands can hit that ceiling. Mortgage interest on up to USD $750,000 of acquisition debt is deductible if Daniel itemizes. Strategic loan sizing and thoughtful prepayments can maximize after-tax benefits. 6.2 Depreciation vs. Canadian Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) U.S. rules allow 27.5-year straight-line residential depreciation, generating annual losses that may offset rental income if Daniel converts the home to a rental later. In Canada, claiming CCA on foreign rental property forfeits PRE for that year and complicates recapture. Proper ledger separation is crucial. 6.3 Passive Activity Loss (PAL) Limitations If Daniel's adjusted gross income exceeds USD $150,000, passive losses may be suspended. A future sale can unlock those suspended losses, reducing taxable gain—a nuance often missed without sophisticated Canada U.S. Financial Planning . 7. Currency Considerations—The Hidden Tax 7.1 Foreign Exchange on Purchase Buying at CAD $1 = USD $0.72 and selling at parity can inflate capital gains when measured in Canadian dollars. Both CRA and IRS require reporting in domestic currency. Daniel should maintain contemporaneous FX records, ideally automated through multi-currency software recommended by his cross-border financial advisor . 7.2 Mortgage Currency Mismatch If Daniel borrows in USD but earns in CAD, each mortgage payment involves a deemed FX disposition. Over years, small unrealized currency gains can snowball into taxable events in Canada. 8. Selling the Texas Home—Major Minefields 8.1 FIRPTA Withholding Mechanics Unless Daniel becomes a U.S. green-card holder, the buyer must withhold 15 percent of gross proceeds (not net gain). Exceptions: Sale price under USD $300,000 and buyer intends to occupy. IRS withholding certificate obtained pre-closing by projecting actual tax liability. Applying for a certificate demands credible cost-basis documentation—closing statements, renovation invoices, depreciation schedules—meticulously curated during ownership. 8.2 Section 121 Exclusion (U.S. Principal Residence) If Daniel (and spouse) live in the home for at least two of the five years preceding sale, they may exclude up to USD $500,000 of gain. But watch: Nonresident aliens cannot claim §121; Daniel must be a U.S. tax resident in year of sale. Depreciation recapture from rental years is taxable at 25 percent. 8.3 Canadian Capital-Gain Inclusion Canada taxes 50 percent of the capital gain, converted to CAD at settlement date FX. If Daniel already used his PRE on the Ottawa condo, the Texas gain is fully taxable in Canada. However, U.S. federal (and potential FIRPTA) tax becomes a foreign tax credit, mitigating double taxation. 9. Estate Tax, Probate, and Gifting 9.1 U.S. Estate Tax Exposure Non-U.S. persons owning U.S. situs assets above USD $60,000 face U.S. estate tax. Treaty formulas prorate Daniel's exposure based on his worldwide estate relative to the U.S. unified credit. Titling the home in a Canadian corporation or cross-border trust can shield estate tax but may sacrifice preferential rates on capital gains. 9.2 Texas Probate Texas probate is relatively streamlined, yet any foreign executor will need an in-state attorney ad litem. A revocable living trust or enhanced transfer on death (TOD) deed can avoid probate delays. 9.3 Gifting the Property to Children A well-intentioned gift could trigger FIRPTA, U.S. gift tax (if donor or donee is U.S. resident), and Canadian deemed disposition. A coordinated gift-splitting strategy under treaty Article XXIX B may alleviate double levies. 10. How a Cross-Border Financial Advisor Adds Value 10.1 Pre-Arrival Blueprint Residency Modeling: Simulate days in U.S. vs. Canada under multiple scenarios to determine treaty residency and tax domicile. Simulate days in U.S. vs. Canada under multiple scenarios to determine treaty residency and tax domicile. Financing Structure: Compare cross-border mortgage programs, evaluate CAD-indexed lines of credit, and optimize deductible interest alignment with personal cash flows. 10.2 Ownership Phase Management Recordkeeping Automation: Tools for dual-currency ledgers, T1135 reminders, U.S. FBAR reporting, and depreciation tracking. Tools for dual-currency ledgers, T1135 reminders, U.S. FBAR reporting, and depreciation tracking. Proactive SALT Optimization: Balancing property-tax prepayments with SALT cap, charitable bunching, and Roth vs. TFSA contribution timing. 10.3 Exit and Re-entry Strategy FIRPTA Certificate Applications: Coordinate appraisals, gather cost basis evidence, and file Form 8288-B to reduce withholding at closing. Coordinate appraisals, gather cost basis evidence, and file Form 8288-B to reduce withholding at closing. Gain Harvesting vs. Deferral: Weigh selling during low-income sabbaticals or before anticipated CAD appreciation. Weigh selling during low-income sabbaticals or before anticipated CAD appreciation. Repatriation Planning: If returning to Canada, merge proceeds into RRSP top-ups, RESP funding, or principal-protected notes to hedge FX risk. 10.4 Integrated Canada U.S. Financial Planning Across these stages, advisors combine treaty literacy with investment management, insurance structuring, and estate design—creating a unified roadmap. Without such guidance, homeowners may overpay taxes, misfile forms, or miss filing windows that close after 15 June (CRA) or 15 April (IRS). 11. Case Study: Daniel's Tailored Outcome With his cross-border financial advisor , Daniel: Secured a USD $600,000 mortgage through a lender accepting Canadian credit, ensuring Form 1098 issuance. Claimed Texas homestead exemption while preserving Ottawa condo as Canadian PRE under treaty tie-breaker year one; year two he cut Canadian ties and became U.S. resident, unlocking §121 eligibility. Automated FX logs via multi-currency bookkeeping to track CAD cost basis. Initiated a revocable trust holding title, minimizing probate and segmenting estate-tax exposure. Filed Form 8288-B at listing; buyer withheld only estimated tax, freeing cash for a down payment on a new Houston suburb upgrade. Leveraged foreign tax credits to eliminate Canadian tax after Ottawa condo sale, resulting in combined capital-gain tax below 10 percent. Net savings over a five-year horizon: USD $140,000 compared with do-it-yourself compliance, plus immeasurable peace of mind. 12. Practical Checklist for Would-Be Buyers Phase Action Item Advisor Touchpoint Pre-Purchase Model residency days; apply CRA Form NR73 if needed Residency calibration Obtain pre-approval from cross-border lender Mortgage structuring Closing Draft statement of adjustments capturing currency rates Cost-basis tracking Ensure title insurance recognizes foreign status Legal coordination Ownership File T1135 annually; claim U.S. deductions Ongoing compliance Review property-tax assessments; protest if inflated SALT optimization Disposition Request FIRPTA certificate 90+ days pre-close Withholding mitigation Allocate suspended passive losses; time sale for low-bracket year Exit strategy 13. Beyond Taxes: Lifestyle & Risk Considerations Healthcare Coverage: Provincial health coverage may lapse after 182–212 days abroad; supplemental U.S. plans must coordinate with travel back to Canada. Provincial health coverage may lapse after 182–212 days abroad; supplemental U.S. plans must coordinate with travel back to Canada. Insurance Gaps: Texas homeowner policies exclude windstorm and flood; cross-border advisors coordinate umbrella liability with excess personal‐liability riders valid in both countries. Texas homeowner policies exclude windstorm and flood; cross-border advisors coordinate umbrella liability with excess personal‐liability riders valid in both countries. Education Savings: RESP contributions may be penalized under U.S. PFIC rules—alternatives include 529 plans or brokerage accounts, harmonized via global asset-allocation overlays. 14. Frequently Overlooked Pitfalls Treaty Elections Filed Late: Missing the Article IV tiebreaker statement or §216 election for rental income can double-tax first-year rent. Ignored Departure Tax: If cutting Canadian residency, deemed disposition on worldwide assets—including pensions—may trump property concerns. State-Level Surprises Outside Texas: Future job moves to states with income tax (e.g., California) alter deductibility and estate planning frameworks. Canadian 'Foreign Buyer' Taxes: Provinces like British Columbia impose speculation taxes on homes left vacant; returning expatriates may unwittingly owe if they keep Canadian real estate. Conclusion: Transform Minefields into Milestones Real estate has long stood as a symbol of stability and personal success. For Canadians dispatched to The Woodlands, however, the purchase of a dream home doubles as an intricate cross-border tax project. Navigating dual-residency rules, withholding regimes, depreciation traps, and currency swings requires more than guesswork—it demands specialized expertise. A seasoned cross-border financial advisor integrates legal, tax, and cash-flow insights into one cohesive playbook. Through proactive cross-border tax planning and comprehensive Canada U.S. Financial Planning , homeowners like Daniel not only avoid pitfalls but also leverage treaty advantages, maximize cash retention, and secure generational wealth across two nations. In the end, the key lesson is simple: treat your relocation home not just as a roof over your head, but as an asset that spans two tax jurisdictions. With the right guidance, you can enjoy Texan sunshine, Houston career growth, and Canadian financial peace of mind—without getting scorched by unexpected tax rays along the way. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hamilton Spectator
7 hours ago
- Hamilton Spectator
U.S. envoy closely eyes Canada defence spending; says NATO about collective defence
OTTAWA - The American ambassador to Canada is closely watching as Ottawa shapes its defence budget, but says the U.S. will not dictate what the Canadian government must spend. 'We're not expecting anything; that's not our job to make those expectations,' Ambassador Pete Hoekstra said in an interview with The Canadian Press this past Friday, a day after NATO defence ministers endorsed new spending targets. Hoekstra also said the point of the NATO military alliance is to defend each other when under attack. He noted Americans haven't forgotten the 'investment and the sacrifice' Canadian troops made in Afghanistan when the U.S. invoked the NATO treaty's article on collective defence. 'They were fulfilling the commitment that they made to NATO — that when one of us is attacked we are all attacked, and we will defend each other,' Hoekstra said of Canadian soldiers. Hoekstra was not directly commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's statement in March that Washington would not necessarily come to the aid of countries that don't pay their fair share on defence and that Canada has been freeloading on American defence of the continent. He did acknowledge Canada's defence spending has been an 'irritant' in the relationship with the U.S. This past week, defence ministers from NATO countries met in Brussels to discuss raising the member spending target on defence to as much as five per cent of GDP. Canada has never met NATO's existing spending target of two per cent since it was established in 2006. Trump and Prime Minister Mark Carney are engaged in what both sides have characterized as 'intensive' discussions toward the new economic and security deal the two leaders agreed to work on once the Canadian election concluded in April. NATO figures suggest Canada's defence spending rose from about one per cent in 2014 to 1.33 per cent in 2023. The NATO secretary-general's annual report, released in April, said Canada's defence spending would hit 1.45 per cent for 2024. In terms of absolute dollars, a Canadian Global Affairs Institute analysis last year said Canada ranks as the seventh largest spender in NATO, and the 14th largest in the world. Carney promised during the recent election campaign to move up Canada's deadline for meeting the 2 per cent threshold from 2032 to 2030 or sooner but has not yet shown a plan for how to do that. It will require Canada to add billions of new dollars annually. The prime minister is set to join other heads of government from NATO countries for an annual summit starting June 24 in the Netherlands. They are expected to approve a new defence investment plan that defence ministers hammered out this week, which would have member nations invest 3.5 per cent of GDP on core defence spending, and 1.5 per cent on defence and security-related investment such as infrastructure and resilience. That proposal is coming amid waning American commitments and a revanchist Russia. In recent years, both Democrats and Republicans have urged Canada to boost its Arctic defence, and the previous Biden administration praised much of what Ottawa outlined in an Arctic foreign policy last year. Trump has suggested defence of the Arctic is part of his 'Golden Dome' plan for a continental missile-defence shield. On May 27, the president said he told Ottawa it would cost US$61 billion to be part of the project. Hoekstra said he hasn't seen a breakdown of the costs, but said the 'really awesome technology' is likely estimated at 'proportionally what we think the Canadian share should be.' Defence Minister David McGuinty said Canada was reviewing its defence spending from 'top to bottom' and would have more to say about its plans soon, though the government isn't planning to table a budget until the fall. Hoekstra framed NATO as part of the wide partnership the U.S. has with Canada in security, which also includes secure energy flows and stopping illicit drugs. 'We need to do the things that will keep our citizens safe,' Hoekstra said. 'There are a lot of things that Americans and Canadians have in common, and we're looking forward to great days.' Hoekstra said Trump is trying to take the U.S. off an unsustainable trajectory, which he framed as millions of people crossing the U.S. border undocumented, spending way beyond government revenue and large trade deficits. 'The president is transforming that, because we need to,' he said. Trump's discussions with Carney will likely include the sweeping reform of border security that the Liberals tabled in Parliament last week. Hoekstra had yet to go through the legislation as of Friday. The ambassador said he's focused on win-win policies for both countries and not the prospect of Canada becoming an American state, despite Trump raising the notion as a way for Canadians to save on the cost of joining his Golden Dome project. Former Canadian diplomat Colin Robertson has said Hoekstra is limited in how much he can diverge from Trump's comments. But he said the ambassador has great access to the president, and his public messaging likely reveals how he has been advising Trump. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 8, 2025.
