Canadian Wealth & Tax Glossary

Plain-English definitions of the Canadian financial vocabulary that matters most to high-net-worth families. Each entry includes statistics from authoritative Canadian sources, worked examples, and the practical perspective our advisors share with clients.

About this glossary. 15 curated entries covering registered accounts (TFSA, RRSP, RRIF, FHSA, RESP), government programs (CPP, OAS), advisor designations (CFP®, CIM®), investment fees (MER), Canadian tax strategies (estate freeze, spousal loan, Section 85), and corporate structures (Holdco, capital gains). Sources: Canada Revenue Agency, Income Tax Act, FP Canada, Statistics Canada, Service Canada.

Registered Account

Registered Account

TFSA

Tax-Free Savings Account

Registered Account

RRSP

Registered Retirement Savings Plan

Registered Account

RRIF

Registered Retirement Income Fund

Registered Account

FHSA

First Home Savings Account

Registered Account

RESP

Registered Education Savings Plan

Government Program

Government Program

CPP

Canada Pension Plan

Government Program

OAS

Old Age Security

Advisor Designation

Advisor Designation

CFP®

CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®

Advisor Designation

CIM®

Chartered Investment Manager

Investment Fee

MER

Management Expense Ratio

Tax Strategy

Estate Freeze

Estate Freeze

Spousal Loan

Prescribed-Rate Spousal Loan

Section 85 Rollover

Section 85 Rollover

Corporate Structure

Corporate Structure

Holdco

Holding Company (Holdco)

Tax Concept

Capital Gains Tax

Canadian Capital Gains Tax

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