blavigne, Author at Eye Care Business Canada

NextGEN OD Canada Joins Canadian OD Students in Canada and US.

The third annual NextGEN OD Canada event is set to take place on March 26, 2025, bringing together Canadian optometry students from across North America for an evening of insights, networking, and career-building opportunities.

This year, the event expands its reach, broadcasting live from the University of Waterloo’s Federation Hall and New England College of Optometry (NECO) and simulcast to other participating U.S. optometry schools.

NextGEN OD Canada is dedicated to supporting the next generation of Canadian optometrists by providing access to industry leaders, career resources, and essential discussions on the future of optometry in Canada. The event, starting at 5:30 PM local time in both Waterloo and Boston, will feature a keynote presentation by Dr. Jenny Lee (UW 2023), who will share her experiences and insights with students preparing to enter the profession.

At 7:00 PM (ET), the event will transition to a live Zoom simulcast, allowing students across North America to tune in for a dynamic expert panel discussion featuring top Canadian Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) in optometry. Panelists will share valuable perspectives on the Canadian optometric landscape, providing students with essential knowledge for their future careers.

Dr. Jenny Lee (UW 2023) will deliver the keynote address, sharing insights from her journey from School, through residency and practice.

In addition to expert discussions, registered attendees will have the chance to win exciting prizes, with a total prize pool exceeding $3,000!

Sponsors Supporting the Next Generation of Optometrists

NextGEN OD Canada 2025 is made possible through the generous support of leading industry sponsors:

🔹 Visionary Sponsors: Eye Recommend, FYidoctors, OSI Group, and Specsavers
🔹 Horizon Sponsors: Vogue Optical, Clinical & Refractive Optometry, and ROI Corporation

Their commitment to fostering the growth and success of future optometrists ensures that students have access to invaluable learning and networking opportunities.

Event Details:

📍 Live Event Locations:

Federation Hall, University of Waterloo (Waterloo, ON)
New England College of Optometry (Boston, MA)
Additional participating optometry schools

🕠 Local Check-in: 5:30 PM (Waterloo & Boston)
🖥 Zoom Simulcast Begins: 7:00 PM (ET)

Optometry students are encouraged to register now for the ZOOM event and secure their spot at this must-attend event for future Canadian optometrists.

In addition to the March 26 event, a live event and rebroadcast is scheduled for April 3^rd at 6 PM Pacific time to accommodate students in the western time zones.

📌 Register Here: https://vuepoint.ac-page.com/Futurefocus-2025-ZOOM

For more information, please contact:

David Pietrobon
Eye Care Business Canada
📧 Dpietrobon@vuepoint.ca
📞 226-780 6871 x 5111

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Empower Your Practice with Free CE Courses

Differentiation | Business Strategy, Practice, Webinar

Three 1-hour COPE accredited courses starting April 9.

In today’s evolving optometric landscape, staying ahead means leveraging data, mastering patient care strategies, and leading change with confidence. Eye Care Business Canada in collaboration with Clinical & Refractive Optometry is proud to present EMPOWER Your Practice, a free online COPE-accredited CE series designed to provide practical, real-world insights from leading experts in optometry.

This three-part series will equip optometrists, and practice owners and managers with the knowledge and strategies needed to elevate their practices, optimize patient outcomes, and navigate change successfully.

👉 Click HERE to view full details and register now!

🔎 Course Lineup

The Digital Journey:
Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care

April 9, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Dr. Wes McCann
Data is more than just numbers—it’s the key to unlocking better patient care and business success. Dr. Wes McCann will explore how practice analytics can streamline operations, improve efficiency, and enhance the patient experience. Learn how to use data-driven insights to make smarter business decisions and take your practice to the next level.

Myopia Management in Clinical Practice

April 23, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Debbie Jones, BSc (Hons) FCOptom, FBCLA, FAAO
This course is designed for eye care practitioners at all experience levels in myopia control. Managing patients who are at risk of myopia or already showing evidence of myopia requires an evidence-based approach. This course explores the key risk factors and early interventions to delay myopia onset. For patients who are already myopic, selecting the most appropriate treatment can be challenging due to multiple influencing factors. This course presents the current evidence on the available treatment options offering strategies to monitor expectations and progress, and information on how to adjust treatment plans.

Leading Change: The Human Side of Practice Transformation

May 14, 2025 8:30 PM EDT

Presented by Dr. Trevor Miranda & Dr. Anita Voisin
Implementing new technology or workflow changes can be challenging—but strong leadership makes all the difference. Using a real-world case study on Practice Management System (PMS) implementation, Drs. Trevor Miranda and Anita Voisin will cover leadership strategies, staff engagement, and overcoming resistance to ensure a smooth transition.

Why Attend?

✔️ Learn from top industry experts with real-world experience.
✔️ Get actionable insights to improve patient care and business efficiency.
✔️ Develop leadership skills to drive positive change in your practice.
✔️ Earn COPE CE credits—for free!

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and elevate your practice.

👉 Click HERE to view full details and register now!

This course series is made possible by an unrestricted education grant for Ocuco Canada.
Presented by Eye Care Business Canada and Clinical & Refractive Optometry Journal.

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The Deep Fake – 7 Tips to Help Protect You from Scams & Fraud

Finance|Wealth

ECBC Roxanne Arnal CFP article on scams and fraud

With the vast proliferation of AI, detecting scams and fraud is becoming more difficult. What used to be primarily an issue for seniors has become a top concern for everyone. Despite the growing number of threats and their increased sophistication, there are ways to help protect yourself against those out to harm you.

Is the content unexpected?

Are you getting an inheritance from a relative you don’t even know? Winning a contest you haven’t entered? Updating delivery information for a package you haven’t ordered?

Packages are becoming increasingly difficult to track, so ensure that the sender matches up with items you have actually ordered. If unsure, reach out directly to the supplier for confirmation.

Always ask, “Did I make this request?” “Does it sound too good to be true?”

But it’s really urgent!

Making a request urgent is a great way for you to accidentally open, click, or respond to a request. Always take a few extra moments to question if the content really needs urgent handling.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!

Wow, you must really like me.

Tone can be hard to read over email and texts. Does the content sound too nice or too threatening? These tactics are designed to keep you off balance. Don’t let someone else’s bad day ruin yours.

Do you really need that?

Requests asking you to enter your SIN, PIN, or password likely aren’t real. Such personal and confidential information shouldn’t be used for accessing anything from a request you didn’t originate.

Furthermore, your SIN, PIN, and passwords should never be shared in print or verbally with anyone where the request is even remotely odd.

As your trusted advisor, I should already have the information needed to process required transactions and for reporting purposes.

And don’t ever send your driver’s license or sensitive documents that contain your SIN via email. Use a secure share site for uploading.

Is the sender for real?

Although AI is making typos a thing of the past, it’s still wise to review a sender’s email address before engaging with the content.

Messages sprinkled with typos and grammatical errors are red flags.

When it comes to email, do you have access to a third-party security system such as KnowBe4? Reporting suspicious emails helps build a wall of protection around your company.

Click here to stop this suspicious credit card transaction!

Whether you receive a phone call from “your credit card company” or “your bank,” always ask to speak to someone you know there. Better still, advise them you’ll call back in a few minutes.

To confirm anything credit card related, always call the phone number on the back of your card – NEVER call a number left on a message for you. The same goes for CRA and other government requests.

If your bank is calling, you likely have a relationship with your key banking advisors; always call them directly to confirm.

Beware of No Risk and High Return Investments

The financial industry is notorious for large-scale investor fraud. Ponzi schemes, commodity purchasing, and deals you can’t afford to refuse are common.

It’s important to know who you are dealing with. Can someone vouch for their credibility? Are they listed with recognized professional bodies, such as FP Canada, or with securities regulators? It’s worth a few minutes to double-check that the person you are giving money to is legit and has verified custodians.

When it comes to reasonable expected returns refer to FP Canada Standards Council annual publication Projection Assumption Guidelines. Remember, none of us know what future returns will be – so we really can’t every sell you an expectation of a future return.

Lastly, don’t get caught in any tax schemes. Schemes are designed to evade or improperly reduce tax liabilities. There are many legal tax efficiencies available, but pushing the grey envelope just isn’t worth it.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of the scammers is an ongoing concern for all of us. Stay vigilant, question all deals and promises, and never provide personal and sensitive information to those unknown to you.

Having trusted and certified advisors is just one step in helping to protect you, your business and your family.

Roxanne Arnal is a CFP^®, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. Today she is on a mission to Empower You & Your Wealth with Clarity, Confidence & Control.

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a replacement for personal financial and tax planning. Individual circumstances and needs vary. Tax strategies should also be discussed with your tax accountant and lawyer. Errors and Omissions exempt.

ROXANNE ARNAL,

Optometrist and Certified Financial Planner

Roxanne Arnal graduated from UW School of Optometry in 1995 and is a past-president of the Alberta Association of Optometrists (AAO) and the Canadian Association of Optometry Students (CAOS). She subsequently built a thriving optometric practice in rural Alberta.

Roxanne took the decision in 2012 to leave optometry and become a financial planning professional. She now focuses on providing services to Optometrists with a plan to parlay her unique expertise to help optometric practices and their families across the country meet their goals through astute financial planning and decision making.

Roxanne splits EWO podcast hosting duties with Dr. Glen Chiasson.

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Episode 9: Customer Connection – The Want RX

Practice, Revenue RX

In optical retail, customers don’t walk in asking for better lenses—they come in looking for glasses. The frame, the style, the image—that’s what drives their decision-making. In this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, I explore a crucial distinction: the difference between a need-based sale and a want-based sale.

Selling a pair of glasses isn’t just about filling a prescription—it’s about fulfilling a desire. When you tap into the customer’s want, you create a deeper connection, improve customer retention, and ultimately drive more revenue. The challenge? Most customers don’t even know what they want until you help them discover it.

Selling What Customers Want vs. What They Need

Most opticians focus on the need-based sale—the prescription, the medical necessity. But that’s only half of the equation. The real opportunity comes from the want-based sale—helping customers find a frame that speaks to their personality, lifestyle, and self-image.

Think about it: customers don’t ask for “anti-reflective coating” or “high-index lenses.” They walk in saying, I need new glasses. They assume the lenses will do their job; what they truly care about is how they look and feel in their frames.

When you focus on the want, customer retention and increased revenue naturally follow.

How to Discover the Customer’s Want

The key to unlocking what the customer truly wants isn’t asking, How can I help you? Instead, try something different:

👉 “Here, put this frame on. Tell me what you see.”

This approach does two things:

It gets the customer talking—not just about the product but about how they feel wearing it.
It separates you from the competition, making the experience more interactive and personal.

Engaging in a real conversation, rather than just guiding them to a sale, helps customers discover what they want—not just what you think looks good on them.

The Role of Image in Optical Retail

Optical retail is more than just vision—it’s about image. Every customer wants to project a certain look. Do they want to appear sophisticated? Trendy? Professional? Approachable? The frames they choose help shape that perception.

Many purchases aren’t driven by logic alone. Prestige, status, and emotion play a huge role. Rather than looking for the best deal, customers are drawn to products that make them feel good. Understanding this mindset is critical when selecting inventory—your staff, not just your suppliers, should play a role in deciding which frames to carry. After all, they know the customers best.

The Difference Between Customer Service and Serving the Customer

Many businesses focus on customer service, which is often reactive—handling complaints, processing returns, or answering questions. But serving the customer is proactive and built around understanding and anticipating their needs.

✔️ Customer service: Helping with an issue, answering questions, processing a transaction.
✔️ Serving the customer: Building a relationship, personalizing recommendations, making them feel valued beyond the sale.

True service is about putting the customer’s best interests first, creating an experience where they feel seen, heard, and appreciated—not just sold to.

How to Build Lasting Customer Loyalty

Customers don’t like being sold to, but they love being served. That’s why it’s important to turn on service mode the moment someone walks into your store. Customers don’t see themselves as a transaction—they’re looking for a solution, a better image, a better experience.

When you focus on service, not selling, the sale becomes the byproduct of a great experience.

✔️ Instead of saying, How can I help you?
➡️ Say, How can I serve you?

This simple shift changes the tone of the conversation and sets the expectation that the customer is in for a personalized, thoughtful experience—not a hard sell.

Inspiration vs. Manipulation: The Key to Long-Term Success

Many businesses rely on manipulative marketing tactics—flash sales, BOGO deals, heavy discounts—to drive short-term sales. While effective in the moment, this approach doesn’t build loyal customers.

Inspiration, not manipulation, breeds long-term success.

✅ Customers who are manipulated by deals will leave for a better deal.
✅ Customers who are inspired by their experience will return again and again.

Instead of competing on price, focus on value—the experience, the service, and the personal touch that makes customers want to come back.

Final Thoughts: The Revenue RX Formula for Customer Connection

Success in optical retail isn’t about simply selling glasses—it’s about:
✔️ Understanding the difference between need and want
✔️ Helping customers discover what they truly desire
✔️ Moving beyond customer service to serving the customer
✔️ Creating lasting loyalty through inspiration, not manipulation

Customers don’t just buy glasses—they buy confidence, self-expression, and trust. The more you focus on their want, the more successful your business will be.

Want to learn more? Tune in to this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins and discover how customer connection can transform your bottom line. And don’t miss the next episode, where we explore how to stop selling glasses and start making money!

Joseph Mireault

Joseph Mireault, Optical Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Published Author.

Joseph was the owner and president at Tru-Valu Optical and EyeWorx for 16 years. During his tenure, he consistently generated a sustainable $500K in annual gross revenue from the dispensary.

He now focuses on the Optical industry, and as a serial entrepreneur brings extensive experience from a variety of different ventures.

Joseph is also a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and looks to work directly with ECPs in achieving their goals.

Through his current endeavour, the (Revenue RX, Optical Retail Wins podcast) he shares the challenges and solutions of running an Optical business.

His insights are shared with optical business owners aspiring for greater success in his new book, “An Entrepreneur’s Eye Care Odyssey: The Path to Optical Retail Success.”

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Episode 8: The Art of Communication – Listen and Learn

Practice, Revenue RX

Communication is more than just words—it’s an art form. In this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, I explore how the way you communicate can either win over customers or drive them away. It’s not just about what you say—it’s about how you listen, how you engage, and how you make people feel.

Too often, opticians and optical retailers focus on product knowledge and sales techniques but overlook the fundamental skill that makes or breaks customer interactions: active listening. If you want to improve your conversion rates and customer satisfaction, the answer isn’t always in better pricing or more promotions—it’s in how well you connect with the people walking through your doors.

The Power of Listening in Sales

The best conversationalists aren’t the ones who talk the most—they’re the ones who listen the most. Customers aren’t just buying eyewear; they’re investing in their personal image, their vision, and their comfort. If you don’t take the time to truly understand what they want, you’re just selling a product, not providing a solution.

A simple rule: When you’re talking, you’re not learning anything. By keeping the spotlight on the customer, you create an environment where they feel heard and valued. This not only builds trust but also leads to a smoother sales process—because when customers feel understood, they’re more confident in their purchasing decisions.

How Small Talk Can Make or Break a Sale

Have you ever had a customer get halfway through an order and then suddenly decide to “think about it” and leave? Silence during a transaction can lead to buyer’s remorse or hesitation. Keeping the conversation flowing is key to preventing second thoughts.

Here’s the trick: Keep customers engaged by showing genuine interest in their lives. A well-timed anecdote, recalling something personal they shared, or simply using their name multiple times in the conversation makes them feel important. Mastering small talk can mean the difference between closing a sale and watching a potential customer walk away.

Reading Your Customer: The First Step to Better Communication

No two customers are the same. They come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, all of which influence their buying decisions. But how do you figure out who you’re dealing with in just a few moments?

It all comes down to asking the right open-ended questions. Instead of “What do you do for a living?” try “How do you spend most of your time?” This subtle shift invites the customer to share more about themselves, giving you insight into their lifestyle, preferences, and what they truly need from their eyewear.

Another key factor? Body language and first impressions. The way you present yourself—your posture, eye contact, and even your smile—sets the tone for every interaction. People decide within seconds whether they trust you, so looking and acting the part of an expert is crucial.

Why Optical Retail is About Image, Not Just Vision

Customers don’t walk into your store saying, “I need new lenses.” They say, “I need new glasses.” Their focus is on the frame, the style, and the image they want to project. That’s why it’s essential to position yourself as more than just a retailer—you’re a consultant, an image expert, and someone who helps them feel good about their choices.

Your job isn’t just to show them dozens of frames and hope they pick one. It’s about curating the right selection based on their personality, their needs, and the subtle cues they’ve given you through conversation. Make the process transformational, not transactional.

Making People Feel Special: The Secret to Loyalty and Referrals

People remember how you made them feel, not just what you sold them. If you want repeat business and word-of-mouth referrals, you need to make every customer feel like the most important person in the room.

Some easy ways to do this:

Use their name multiple times in the conversation.
Show interest in their hobbies, lifestyle, and personal preferences.
Be present: put away distractions and give them your full attention.
Follow up with personalized touches, whether it’s a handwritten note, a call to check on their glasses, or a small token of appreciation.

At the end of the day, communication isn’t just about selling—it’s about building relationships. And when you get it right, sales naturally follow.

Tune In to Learn More!

Want to master the art of customer communication? Listen to this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, where I break down how better listening, small talk, and customer engagement can lead to higher conversions and long-term success.

And don’t miss the next episode, where we’ll explore the difference between customer service and truly serving the customer—plus, how inspiration beats manipulation when it comes to influencing buying decisions.

Because at the end of the day, the only revenue source in any business is the customer.

Joseph Mireault

Joseph Mireault, Optical Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Published Author.

Joseph was the owner and president at Tru-Valu Optical and EyeWorx for 16 years. During his tenure, he consistently generated a sustainable $500K in annual gross revenue from the dispensary.

He now focuses on the Optical industry, and as a serial entrepreneur brings extensive experience from a variety of different ventures.

Joseph is also a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and looks to work directly with ECPs in achieving their goals.

Through his current endeavour, the (Revenue RX, Optical Retail Wins podcast) he shares the challenges and solutions of running an Optical business.

His insights are shared with optical business owners aspiring for greater success in his new book, “An Entrepreneur’s Eye Care Odyssey: The Path to Optical Retail Success.”

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Episode 7: The Optometrist Dilemma – Reality Bites

Practice, Revenue RX

Optometrists dedicate years to mastering eye care, diagnosing vision issues, and improving patient outcomes. But when it comes to running a successful optical business, reality bites—because clinical expertise alone isn’t enough. The truth is, most optometrists aren’t trained in business, marketing, or sales, yet the financial success of their practice often hinges on these very skills.

In this episode of Revenue RX: Optical Retail Wins, I dive into the fundamental dilemma facing many optometrists: balancing professional eye care with the realities of retail. I share my own journey of transitioning from optical retail into a full-service optometric practice and how I uncovered the key to increasing profitability—by embracing the service process over the fear of selling.

Why I Brought an Optometrist Into My Business

I wasn’t always in the optometric business. My first store was purely an optical retail operation, with eye exams outsourced to a neighboring optometrist. It was a simple, straightforward arrangement—until I walked into that very clinic for my own eye exam and was charged full price despite referring dozens of patients each month. That moment was a wake-up call. If I was sending patients next door, why wasn’t I keeping them in-house?

So, I did what any entrepreneur would do—I found a way to take control. A storage room in my store became the perfect location for a fully functional exam lane. I worked with an equipment sales rep, set up a lease-to-own agreement, and soon had an OD working three days a week. Over time, I expanded to five days, ensuring a consistent flow of patient exams—without handing my business over to someone else.

But that was only the beginning.

The Optometrist’s Role in Retail: A Reality Check

Let’s be honest—most optometrists don’t like the word sales. It feels uncomfortable, almost taboo. But here’s the reality: if you own an optical dispensary, you’re in retail. Your practice doesn’t thrive on exams alone. The real money—often a 5:1 revenue ratio compared to exam fees—comes from the dispensary.

Yet, many optometrists still see their role as separate from the sales process. The truth? You are the quarterback of the entire patient experience. Your job doesn’t end when the patient leaves the exam room—it extends into the dispensary, where trust built during the exam needs to be seamlessly handed off to the team responsible for filling their prescription.

A common misconception is that loyalty comes from the exam experience. But here’s the reality: customer retention is driven by their buying experience, not just their eye exam. Patients return to a practice because of how they felt when choosing their eyewear—not just because they received a prescription. The question is: Are you actively influencing this part of the journey?

Reframing the Optometrist’s Role: The Service Process

If the words sales and selling make you cringe, let’s shift the mindset. Instead of seeing it as a sales process, think of it as a service process. Your role as an OD isn’t to push products—it’s to guide your patients through a seamless experience that extends from the exam chair to the dispensary.

Here’s how optometrists can naturally and ethically enhance dispensary sales without feeling like salespeople:

✅ Educate, Don’t Sell – Instead of focusing solely on the prescription, take a moment to discuss lens options, coatings, or frame styles that would best suit the patient’s lifestyle. When recommendations come from you—the trusted doctor—patients are far more likely to follow through.

✅ Hand Off with Purpose – Instead of a generic “Someone will help you out front,” make an intentional recommendation. Something as simple as: “I’ve recommended anti-fatigue lenses for you, and my team will walk you through the best options for your lifestyle” can transform the buying experience.

✅ Create an Emotional Connection – The exam room is all about need-based solutions, but the dispensary is about wants. Patients don’t just buy glasses—they buy how they feel wearing them. Use your influence to bridge the gap between need and desire.

✅ Reduce Patient Leakage – By reinforcing the importance of proper eyewear and seamlessly transitioning the patient into the dispensary experience, optometrists can significantly reduce the number of patients who take their prescriptions elsewhere.

Joseph Mireault

Joseph Mireault, Optical Entrepreneur, Business Coach, and Published Author.

Joseph was the owner and president at Tru-Valu Optical and EyeWorx for 16 years. During his tenure, he consistently generated a sustainable $500K in annual gross revenue from the dispensary.

He now focuses on the Optical industry, and as a serial entrepreneur brings extensive experience from a variety of different ventures.

Joseph is also a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and looks to work directly with ECPs in achieving their goals.

Through his current endeavour, the (Revenue RX, Optical Retail Wins podcast) he shares the challenges and solutions of running an Optical business.

His insights are shared with optical business owners aspiring for greater success in his new book, “An Entrepreneur’s Eye Care Odyssey: The Path to Optical Retail Success.”

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Your Voice Matters: Participate in Our Survey on Practice Management Systems!

Why Participate?

In addition to making your voice heard, the first 100 qualified respondents will receive a $10 e-gift card as a thank-you for your time and valuable input. (Limitations apply.)

Your responses will be used to better understand the needs of optometric practices across Canada, helping us uncover trends, challenges, and opportunities in practice management software.

How to Get Involved

Participating is simple! Click the link below to access the survey and complete it on your own time. Remember, it takes less than 5 minutes to make an impact and claim your reward if you’re among the first 100 qualifying respondents.

Start the Survey Now!

Your Feedback Drives Innovation

By sharing your experiences, you’re contributing to a broader conversation about the tools and technologies that support optometric practices. Your insights will not only help inform others in the industry but also guide future developments in practice management solutions.

Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the future of your field and earn a small token of appreciation in return.

Thank you for your participation and dedication to improving Canadian Optometry!

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Key Tax Deadlines

Finance|Wealth, Tax & Legal Matters

As the 2024 tax season approaches, it’s essential for Canadians to be aware of key dates to ensure a smooth and timely filing process. Here are some important deadlines to keep in mind.

RRSP Contribution Deadline

You have 60 days into the new year to contribute to your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) for the prior tax year. For the 2024 tax year, this deadline is March 3, 2025.

RRSP contributions are one way to lower your current tax liability by deferring the tax on the contributions, and related growth from the corresponding investment, to a future tax year. This tax deferral is particularly beneficial if you anticipate to be in a lower tax bracket when you withdraw from your RRSP or Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF).

You can make these contributions to either your own RRSP or to a Spousal RRSP. Contributions to either account will impact your RRSP contribution room and your current personal tax liability. The use of the Spousal RRSP allows you to income split taxation on withdrawals, especially if you plan to withdraw prior to age 65.

Filing Deadline for Most Canadians

The deadline to file your tax return and pay any balance owing to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is April 30, 2025 for most Canadians. Filing on time helps you avoid late-filing penalties and interest charges, especially if you have amounts owing.

Filing your tax return also helps to ensure that you receive any government benefits due to come to your way.

Self-Employed Individual Filing Deadline

If you or your spouse or common-law partner are self-employed, you have until June 15^th of the following year to file your tax returns. For the 2024 tax year, you get a bonus day, June 16, 2025, since June 15 is a Sunday.

Keep in mind however that any balance owing must still be paid by April 30, 2025, to avoid interest charges.

Instalment Payments

If you had to pay more than $3,000* in taxation in either of the prior two calendar year filing periods AND you anticipate that your current tax year will also result in tax owing of more than $3,000*, you will be required to make quarterly instalment payments.

There are three options to calculate the amount per tax instalment needed, but remember that the first instalment for the current tax year is due March 15^th, about 6 weeks prior to tax filing deadline. Therefore, it’s important to review your taxation with your accountant early to avoid interest charges and possible penalties.

Remaining installments are due June 15, September 15 and December 15, or the next business day following if it occurs on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday recognized by the CRA.

*Calculated as the “Net Tax Owing” on your tax return. This amount is $1,800 for residents of Quebec.

FHSA Contributions

Though too late for the 2024 tax year, a contribution to a First Home Savings Account in the current tax year can also decrease your taxable income.

In addition to the current year tax savings, there is no tax applicable to an eligible withdrawal of your contributed amount or the growth of the investment. This is a great account registration to save for your first home for those that qualify.

Trust Income Tax Return (T3)

For trusts, the income tax return and payment are due within 90 days after the trust’s tax year-end. If you think you may be required to file a T3 in a bare trust situation, be sure to confer with your accountant as the penalties can be harsh.

Conclusion

Staying informed about these key tax dates can help you avoid penalties and ensure you receive any benefits or credits you are entitled to.

Having conversations early in the tax filing period with your financial advisor to review the impact of additional RRSP contributions can help mitigate your overall tax bill for the prior year. Understanding when an RRSP contribution makes sense is part of how we empower you to make smart financial decisions that align with your goals today and tomorrow. Contact us at 780-261-3098 or email (Roxanne@C3wealthadvisors.ca) to set up your next conversation.

Roxanne Arnal is a CFP^®, former Optometrist, Professional Corporation President, and practice owner. Today she is on a mission to Empower You & Your Wealth with Clarity, Confidence & Control.

ROXANNE ARNAL,

Optometrist and Certified Financial Planner

Roxanne splits EWO podcast hosting duties with Dr. Glen Chiasson.

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Abandoned at the Altar

Real Estate

Reader Caution – this article is littered with marriage and dating analogies!

We’ve all seen romantic comedy movies with a runaway bride scene. But there have been many runaway grooms as well.

The reality is, when you put a ring on your finger, you are betrothed, and all your eggs are in now in one basket. You book the wedding venue, line up the officiant—whether that’s a priest, rabbi, cleric, or someone else—and then gather all your friends and family for the big day.

You select a banquet facility, spend tens of thousands on catering, beverages, the band, and copious decorations to prepare for the special day.

Average (first) wedding cost today (Canada) is ~$30,000.

And then the bride or groom bolts at the last minute.

To clarify, I’m now inter-changing analogy between business transactions and weddings. Many of our clients come to us after being left at the altar.

It typically starts with someone they know or someone who has approached them privately, telling them beautiful and convincing stories about how they want to acquire the business.

Because there was a casual pre-qualification from a lawyer, accountant, banker, or colleague, the normal cautionary business practices tend to be abandoned in these situations. Your guard is let down momentarily, and you go on the first date with little forethought.

The courtship began prematurely.

Once that bride or groom—otherwise known as the only person at the dance—knows they have your attention, and when their advisors also know that they are your sole option, the process will invariably slow to a grinding halt.

The wedding date gets delayed—many times in most instances.

Then, more questions are asked, questions that weren’t covered at the start.

You soon learn that you jumped too quickly and should have taken more time during the initial phase (the courtship).

It’s usually the third-party advisors slowing the process – they are paid by time and not success.

As the seller, you believe the buyer’s intentions remain legitimate, thus you let the process continue—after all, you haven’t incurred any significant costs at this point.

What’s a minor delay here and there? You’ve been waiting 20 or 30 years for this moment.

Then it happens. The penny drops.

Suddenly, absurd conditions or outright insults—whether intentional or not—start flying, because the buyer and their advisors know they are the only ones you’re dealing with.

I can’t tell you how many times people come to us with their heads hung low, saying, “I should have listened to you. I shouldn’t have put all my eggs in one basket, but I did.”

Thankfully, it didn’t cost them too much.

But what are the costs they managed to avoid? Initially, it may seem like they saved on an appraisal fee or broker commission. And that is not insignificant.

And since the relationship started with incredibly good intentions, which certainly appeared genuine and sincere at the time, the legal fees weren’t too bad.

But now you must start over again. And because the market is more powerful than any one individual can match, you will now incur the normal costs involved with the disposition of a professional practice. The appraisal and brokerage fee plus proper legal and accounting advice.

If you were on a sensitive timeline, you are now in an unbelievably dire situation.

If I am approached by a buyer who impresses me with genuine motives and good intentions, I will enter a discussion with them. It will be investigative in nature, not romantic!

I will also put them on a noticeably short leash.

That means I’ll give them 30-45 days (post-appraisal) before I list with the broker and go to market – and leverage the influence of multiple buyers. The first buyer can stay in the competition but now they have competition!

Please don’t get left at the altar.

It’s very embarrassing to be standing there, all alone, with a ring in your hand with all your friends and family watching.

JACKIE JOACHIM

Jackie has 30 years of experience in the industry as a former banker and now the Chief Operating Officer of ROI Corporation. Please contact her at Jackie.joachim@roicorp.com or 1-844-764-2020.

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Specsavers Named as One of the Best Places to Work in the World

sponsor, Sponsored Posts

Fortune Magazine and Great Place to Work® selected the optical and audiology business from a list of organizations that took part in the Great Place to Work’s employee survey process, with 7.4 million responses received, representing 20 million employees worldwide.

“This is an incredible achievement, and it is a credit to all our colleagues and partners who work hard to make Specsavers such a great place to work. I could not be prouder. Our ranking among so many other brilliant organizations on this list continues to drive our ambition in making life at Specsavers truly special,” says John Perkins, Specsavers CEO.

To be considered for the list, companies must be identified as outstanding global employers with recognition on at least five Best Workplaces^TMlists from across the world in 2023 or early 2024.

Colleagues said the opportunities offered to develop and grow as well as the culture and level of care for employees were the main reasons for rating the business so highly.

“We’re very proud to be named as one of the world’s best workplaces,” said Bill Moir, Managing Director, Specsavers Canada. “This global recognition reflects Specsavers’ commitment to putting its people first, which has been the foundation of our successful growth in Canada. People have, and always will be, at the heart of everything we do at Specsavers.”

Specsavers was recognized in Canada’s Best Workplaces™ List for 2024, including additional awards for best workplace in retail/hospitality, for women and for giving back. Since arriving in Canada in late 2021, the company continues its rapid growth across the country, providing career and business ownership opportunities in Ontario, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia.

With over 135 locally owned Specsavers locations in Canada, the company employs more than 1,500 people and has more than 300 independent optometrists in its network.

Organizations like Specsavers are assessed on their efforts to create great workplaces and positively impact people and communities across multiple countries around the world.

Start your business with the support of Specsavers. Search available locations.

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🔎 Course Lineup

The Digital Journey: Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care

Myopia Management in Clinical Practice

Leading Change: The Human Side of Practice Transformation

Why Attend?

Is the content unexpected?

But it’s really urgent!

Wow, you must really like me.

Do you really need that?

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Beware of No Risk and High Return Investments

Conclusion

ROXANNE ARNAL,

Selling What Customers Want vs. What They Need

How to Discover the Customer’s Want

The Role of Image in Optical Retail

The Difference Between Customer Service and Serving the Customer

How to Build Lasting Customer Loyalty

Inspiration vs. Manipulation: The Key to Long-Term Success

Final Thoughts: The Revenue RX Formula for Customer Connection

Joseph Mireault

The Power of Listening in Sales

How Small Talk Can Make or Break a Sale

Reading Your Customer: The First Step to Better Communication

Why Optical Retail is About Image, Not Just Vision

Making People Feel Special: The Secret to Loyalty and Referrals

Tune In to Learn More!

Joseph Mireault

The Optometrist’s Role in Retail: A Reality Check

Reframing the Optometrist’s Role: The Service Process

Joseph Mireault

Why Participate?

How to Get Involved

Your Feedback Drives Innovation

Thank you for your participation and dedication to improving Canadian Optometry!

RRSP Contribution Deadline

Filing Deadline for Most Canadians

Self-Employed Individual Filing Deadline

Instalment Payments

FHSA Contributions

Trust Income Tax Return (T3)

Conclusion

ROXANNE ARNAL,

And then the bride or groom bolts at the last minute.

Please don’t get left at the altar.

JACKIE JOACHIM

The Digital Journey:
Using Data to Drive Practice Growth & Patient Care