dabum,
My view is always tempered by a measure of uncertainty, but the winds of change do not look good for owners of Canadian Trusts.
The tax treaty is immaterial, IMO, as we already have been subject to a 15% whack on the return of capital as well as on distributions. The 15% also is taken for IRA-type accounts. From my understanding, this is in violation of the treaty. So, who has been representing us about this? Hello? Not home?
That is why I have no confidence in any tax treaty. Further, reps of the Alberta government are calling for an increase tax on foreigners and yet others want to use the trust issue as a bargaining chip in the lumber dispute. With so many unknowns, with loose lips Goodale at the helm, with broad anti-Americanism throughout the nation, why should one accept these extraordinary risks? Additionally, an official action would not be required to cause a further crash in CRT prices. A simple memo of intentions by Goodale, or others of rank, would, without warning, cause more sales.
What does one lose by selling in advance of the storm? One to two months of distributions. Holding, IMO, remains a much greater risk.
Those who hold in face of such uncertainties deserve their monthly distribution. Good luck to all, but even a blind man can see land mines abound.
wp |
