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VPG Bulletin
May 2025

Hello everyone,
 
Like the weather, the stock market has warmed up a bit in recent weeks.
 
The stock markets haven't regained all the ground they lost, but it's now a little less depressing to take a look at your investments...
 
If there was anything to watch out for during new Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to the White House, some of the uncertainty has finally been lifted on the subject of tariffs.
 
The trade war is still going on, but we can see that the Canadian response is getting organized.
 
The results of Canadian companies' diversification efforts are beginning to show. Data published by Statistics Canada show an increase in Canadian exports outside the U.S., and a drop in imports from the U.S..
 
Uncertainty has also spread south of the border... The tide has turned for some major retailers, including McDonald's. Despite a proliferation of promotions, its minute meals are selling less well. Sales and profits are down compared to 2024. Americans, worried, are spending less.
 
Did you know that taxes will no longer be automatically added to tips from electronic payment terminals?
 
A new law (Bill 72, or Loi protégeant les consommateurs contre les pratiques commerciales abusives et offrant une meilleure transparence en matière de prix et de crédit) came into force on May 7. It amends the Consumer Protection Act and affects several aspects of your wallet.
 
From now on, when the payment terminal offers tip percentage choices, it must now calculate them before both taxes and offer a personalized percentage option.
 
These legislative changes have corrected a situation that was irritating many customers, as it was driving up the bill, often unbeknownst to them.
 
Grocery price display (unit prices, member and non-member prices, multiple purchases, taxable and non-taxable items) and the Price Accuracy Policy have also been improved. The aim is to make them clearer and easier for consumers to understand.
 
The amount of compensation in the event of a pricing error against the customer has been increased to $15. It was previously $10.
 
See you soon!

 
Francis, Michael, Hossein, Jean-Marc, Kristopher and Stéphane

 

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Francis Sabourin BA, Pl. Fin., RIS
Senior Portfolio Manager and Senior Investment Advisor
Tel.: 514.989.4844  •  Email
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Francis Sabourin
Wealth Management

1250 René-Lévesque Blvd. West
Suite 1500
Montréal, QC  H3B 4W8

www.FrancisSabourin.com


The opinions expressed in this report are the opinions of the author and readers should not assume they reflect the opinions or recommendations of Richardson Wealth Limited or its affiliates. Assumptions, opinions and estimates constitute the author’s judgment as of the date of this material and are subject to change without notice. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of this material, and it should not be relied upon as such. Before acting on any recommendation, you should consider whether it is suitable for your particular circumstances and, if necessary, seek professional advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Insurance services are offered through Richardson Wealth Insurance Services Limited in BC, AB, SK, MB, NWT, ON, QC, NB, NS, PEI and NL. Richardson Wealth is a trademark of James Richardson & Sons Limited, used under license.
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