This morning in its 10^th and likely final policy decision of 2020, the Bank of Canada left its target overnight benchmark rate unchanged at what it describes as its “lower bound” of 0.25%. As a result, the Bank Rate stays at 0.5% and the knock-on effect is that borrowing costs for Canadians will remain low for the foreseeable future.

The Bank also updated its observations on the state of the economy, both in Canada and globally and pledged to continue to support market liquidity through its quantitative easing program.

These are the highlights of today’s Bank of Canada announcement:

• Economic momentum heading into the fourth quarter appears to be stronger than was expected in October but, in recent weeks, record high cases of COVID-19 in many parts of Canada are forcing re-imposition of restrictions, which can be expected to “weigh on growth in the first quarter of 2021 and contribute to a choppy trajectory until a vaccine is widely available”
• Near term, waves of COVID-19 are expected to “set back recoveries” in many parts of the world
• It is maintaining what it calls its “extraordinary forward guidance,” reinforced and supplemented by its QE program, which continues at its current pace of “at least” $4 billion per week
• The labour market continues to recoup the jobs that were lost at the start of the pandemic, albeit at a slower and “highly uneven pace” across different sectors and groups of workers
• Commodity prices, including for oil, are being pushed by up stronger demand
• A broad-based decline in the US exchange rate has contributed to a further appreciation of the Canadian dollar
• The federal government’s recently announced measures should help maintain business and household incomes during this second wave of the pandemic and support the recovery

Of note, the Bank of Canada commented on a pick up – to 0.7% – in CPI inflation in October, largely reflecting higher prices for fresh fruits and vegetables. This suggests a “slightly firmer track for inflation” in Q4 but measures of core inflation are all below 2%, and “considerable economic slack” is expected to continue to “weigh on inflation for some time.”

Looking ahead

The Bank’s Governing Council acknowledged that Canada’s economic recovery continues to require “extraordinary monetary policy support.” Accordingly, it will hold its policy interest rate at the lower bound until economic slack is absorbed so that the Bank’s 2% inflation target is sustainably achieved.

In its October projection, the BoC suggested that the inflation target may be achieved “into 2023.” It provided no further update on this projection. It did however reiterate its commitment to keep interest rates low across the yield curve by using its QE program until the recovery is well underway.

BoC’s next scheduled policy announcement is January 20, 2021. We will provide an update following that announcement and as always, you can find other capital market insights on the Resources page of this website.

Read the full Bank of Canada Press Release here.

Angela Calla is a 17-year award-winning woman of influence which sets her apart from the rest. She is without a doubt, a true expert in her field. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. Through her presence on “The Mortgage Show” and through her best-selling book “The Mortgage Code“, Angela educates prospective home buyers by providing vital information on mortgages. 

In August of 2020, at the young age of 37, Angela surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgages. In light of this, her success awarded her with the 2020Business Leader of the Year Award.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click  here to view the latest news on our blog. 

Being on the path to purchasing your first home is one of the most exciting and most rewarding moments in life! While people don’t always dream of the perfect mortgage, we do grow up dreaming of a white picket fence and our dream home. Even if you imagined your dream home as a 6-bedroom mansion, we all have to start somewhere!

This first-time home buyer section will take you through the important steps and considerations for your first home, including:

• Determining whether you are ready for home ownership
• Costs of home ownership
• The process of buying your first home
• Securing your down payment
• Mortgage pre-qualification and pre-approval
• Financial Approval
• Closing day

Let’s get started.

 Are You Ready for Home Ownership?

Before you jump on in, there are some things you should ask yourself. As amazing as it is to be a first-time home buyer, it is important to remember that this is likely the largest financial decision you will ever make. There are a few questions you can ask yourself to make sure you’re ready to take this incredible leap!

1. Are you financially stable?
2. Do you have the financial management skills and discipline to handle this large of a purchase?
3. Are you ready to devote the time to regular home maintenance?
4. Are you aware of all the costs and responsibilities that come with being a homeowner? Let’s find out!

Do You Know the Costs?

There are two major costs associated with home ownership – let’s make sure you’re ready to take it on!

Upfront Costs: The initial amount of money you need to buy a home, including down payment, closing costs and any applicable taxes.

Ongoing Costs: The continued cost of living in a home you own, including mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utility bills, condominium fees (if applicable) and routine repairs and maintenance. It is also important to keep in mind potential major repairs, such as roof replacement or foundation repair, that may be needed now or in the future. In addition, if you choose a property that is not hooked up to municipal services (such as water or sewer) there may be additional maintenance costs to consider.

Buying Your First Home

If you’ve decided to take the plunge, you now need to start by figuring out what you can afford. Fortunately, there are all kinds of calculators and tools available. A great place to start is the free My Mortgage Toolbox app which can help you find a mortgage professional in your area. A mortgage professional is a great alternative to traditional banks and can help you find the best rate in the market, as well as save you time by doing the leg work for you!

The Down Payment

Regardless of whether you choose a mortgage professional or traditional bank, the first step begins with your down payment.

The minimum down payment on any mortgage in Canada is 5 percent but putting down more is beneficial whenever possible as it will lower the amount being borrowed. However, if you can only afford the minimum that is perfectly okay! Just remember, if you are putting down less than 20 per cent to purchase your home, default insurance will be mandatory to protect the investment.

Ideally, individuals looking to purchase their first home will have built up a nest egg of savings that they can apply towards a down payment. However, we know this is not possible for everyone so if you don’t have it all saved, don’t worry! Besides being a vital savings plan for retirement, RRSPs can be a great resource for first-time home buyers and can be cashed in up to $35,000 individually towards a down payment. In fact, most mortgage professionals will tell you nearly half of all first-time buyers use their RRSPs to help with the payment. Those first-time buyers who choose this option will have 15 years to pay it back and can defer these payments for up to two years if necessary. Always remember though, deferring a payment can increase the time to pay off the loan and you will still owe the full amount!

Another option for securing your down payment is a gift from an immediate family member, typically a parent. All that is required for this is a signed Gift Letter from the parent (or family member providing the funds) which states that the money does not have to be repaid and a snapshot showing that the gifted funds have been transferred.

Mortgage Pre-Qualification

Once you have your down payment and are ready to realize the dream of owning your first home, you must get pre-qualified!

This process provides you with an estimate of how much you can afford based on your own report of your financial situation. The benefit of this is that it sets the baseline for a realistic price range and allows you to start looking for that perfect home within your means! Now this process is not a mortgage approval, or even a pre-approval but it helps to establish your budget. You must supply an overview of your financial history (income, assets, debt and credit score) but the real requirements come with the pre-approval process where you submit your actual documentation.

Mortgage Pre-Approval

While this may seem similar to pre-qualification, the pre-approval process requires submission and verification of your financial history to ensure the most accurate budget to fit your needs.

As a result, getting pre-approved can help determine:

• The maximum amount you can afford to spend
• The monthly mortgage payment associated with your purchase price range
• The mortgage rate for your first term

Not only does getting pre-approved make the search easier for you, but helps your real estate agent find the best home in your price range. Temptation will always be to start looking at the very top of your budget, but it is important to remember that there will be fees, such as mandatory closing costs, which can range from 1 to 4% of the purchase price. Factoring these into your maximum budget can help you narrow down a home that is entirely affordable and ensure future financial stability and security.

Getting pre-approved doesn’t commit you to a single lender, but it does guarantee the rate offered to you will be locked in from 90 to 120 days which helps if interest rates rise while you are still shopping. If interest rates actually decrease, you would still be offered the lower rate. Another benefit to pre-approval is that, when it comes time to purchase, pre-approval lets the seller know that securing financing should not be an issue. This is extremely beneficial in competitive markets where lots of offers may be coming in.

PROTECTING YOUR PRE-APPROVAL

• Refrain from having additional credit reports pulled once you have been pre-approved
• Refrain from applying for new credit, closing off credit accounts or making large purchases until after the sale is complete
• Be prepared to show a paper trail – any unusual deposits in your bank account may require explanation. Also, if your down payment comes from savings, the bank will want 90 days of statements to ensure the funds are accounted for.

Financial Approval

You’re almost there! Financial approval is the last step to getting your mortgage and buying your first home! You will need to keep in mind that just because you are pre-approved, it doesn’t guarantee that the final mortgage application is approved. Being entirely candid with your home-buying team throughout the process will be vital as hidden debt or buying a big-ticket item during your 90-120-day pre-approval can change the amount you are able to borrow. It is best to refrain from any major purchases (such as a new car) or life changes (such as changing jobs) until after closing and you have the keys to your new home!

Closing Day

Phew, you made it. Closing day is one of the most exciting moments where all the house hunting and paperwork really pays off! It is on this day that you will want to make use of your lawyer or a notary.

To complete the process of closing the sale, your lender gives your lawyer the mortgage money. You would then pay out the down payment (minus the deposit) and the closing costs (typically 1 to 4% of the purchase price). Typically, this payment is done through a bank draft, which will require a bank run ideally 10 days before closing, which is then brought to the lawyer on your closing date. From there, the lawyer or notary then pays the seller, registers the home in your name and gives you the deed and the keys!

Congratulations, you are now a home owner!!

Angela Calla is a 16-year award-winning woman of influence and mortgage expert. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. She educates and empowers individuals on the “The Mortgage Show”, which she’s hosted for over a decade and is the best selling author of The Mortgage Code available on Amazon. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to Access Youth Outreach services, a local charity in our community supporting our youth. Additionally, in August of 2020 she surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgage volume at the young age of 37.

Angela leads by example with passion and conviction. She is known as an industry expert on TV and radio and the go-to source for publishers across the Country. She has even been known to sign the national anthem at sporting events! On top of all her achievements, Angela finds the time to be a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children.

For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or 604-939-8777.

GOVERNMENT UPDATES
Monday, December 7

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT UPDATE
Extension of PHO order on province-wide restrictions to January 8, 2021

By order and direction of the Provincial Health Officer, all events and social gatherings are suspended to significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission related to social interactions and travel, with the following updates:

• Drive-in and drop-off events: may proceed with a limited number of people and a COVID-19 Safety Plan in place. You can have a maximum of 50 cars in attendance. View examples here.
• Drive-thru events: Uncontrolled drive-thru events are suspended, as cars continually moving through a venue may exceed 50 at one time. Operators of drive-thru events can only continue to operate if they restrict the number of cars to 50 at one time. View examples here.
• Christmas and holiday celebrations: All December celebrations will look different this year. Celebrate with your immediate household or core bubble.  Consider hosting virtual parties and religious services, Unwrap gifts over Zoom or Skype, and if you must travel for essential reasons, review the health and safety precautions
• Adult indoor and outdoor team sports are suspended for people 19 years of age and older. View the full list here.

The order is in effect from November 19, 2020 at midnight to January 8, 2021 at midnight. View the full order update here.

Throne Speech highlights: actions to protect health, livelihoods

Today’s speech focused on the immediate actions government is taking to protect British Columbians’ health and livelihoods from the threat of COVID-19. In the months ahead, government will build on the measures already in place. Some initiatives will be extended or expanded, and new ones launched. View the full news release here.

• New Recovery Benefit: this will be rolled out by the end of the year. Families with a combined household income of less than $125,000 per year will be eligible to receive $1,000; families earning above that, up to $170,000, will receive payments on a sliding scale. Individuals earning less than $62,000 a year will be eligible for $500, with those earning up to $87,000 eligible for a payment on a sliding scale.
• Vaccinations: Preparations are underway to ensure that when a vaccine is available, it will be distributed to all British Columbians as quickly and safely as possible, beginning with those most at risk.
• Key investments in health care: this will allow more patients to receive treatment at home, reduce wait times, and train and hire more doctors and nurses.
• New tax measures: these steps will reward businesses for hiring, and help them grow and become more productive by making it easier for them to invest in equipment and machinery.

The focus is now on beating the virus, which will allow British Columbia to move as quickly as possible to address the economic recovery and its broader priorities: investing in people, strengthening communities, and supporting jobs and growth in a clean-energy future. The Government’s plans along these themes will be set out in more detail in a speech from the throne in the spring.

PREVIOUS FEDERAL GOVERNMENT UPDATE
On November 30, the Department of Finance Canada released the Annual Financial Report of the Government of Canada for 2019–20. This annual publication provides an overview of the government’s spending and revenue for the previous fiscal year and highlights the factors affecting these results.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance also released Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020. This plan will continue to protect Canadians’ health, jobs and the economy by doing the following:

• COVID-19 Safety: Investments in testing & tracing, procurement of PPE, measures to protect people in long-term care, and $150 million to improve ventilation in public buildings.
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: increasing the maximum rate of CEWS to 75 per cent for the period beginning December 20, 2020 and extending this rate until March 13, 2021. This program will be there for businesses until June 2021.
• Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy and Lockdown Support: extending the current rates of CERS and Lockdown Support until March 13, 2021. This program will be there for businesses until June 2021.
• Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program: New programs to support Canada’s hardest-hit industries, like tourism, hotels, arts and culture, and the air sector.
• Families with Young Children: Temporary support of up to $1,200 in 2021 for each child under the age of six for families entitled to the Canada Child Benefit.
• Sustainability Goals: Support for Canadians to make their homes greener and more energy efficient, a plan to plant 2 billion trees and laying the groundwork for a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care System.

PREVIOUS UPDATES

Click here to see previous updates.

Angela Calla is a 16-year award-winning woman of influence and mortgage expert. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. She educates and empowers individuals on the “The Mortgage Show”, which she’s hosted for over a decade and is the best selling author of The Mortgage Code available on Amazon. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to Access Youth Outreach services, a local charity in our community supporting our youth. Additionally, in August of 2020 she surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgage volume at the young age of 37.

Angela leads by example with passion and conviction. She is known as an industry expert on TV and radio and the go-to source for publishers across the Country. She has even been known to sign the national anthem at sporting events! On top of all her achievements, Angela finds the time to be a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children.

For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or 604-939-8777.

Justin Trudeau’s government, which has delivered the biggest COVID-19 fiscal response in the industrialized world, announced plans for another dose of stimulus and vowed to continue priming the pump as long as needed.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland unveiled $51.7 billion of new spending over two years in a mini-budget Monday, led by an enhanced wages subsidy for business. Freeland also pledged, without detailing, another $70 billion to $100 billion of additional stimulus over three years to spur the recovery.

But the finance minister clearly heeded calls for fiscal prudence. She put off any major structural spending announcements, promised any additional stimulus will be temporary and introduced new taxes on digital giants including Netflix, Amazon, and Airbnb, to help pay for it all.

“Our government will make carefully judged, targeted and meaningful investments to create jobs and boost growth,” Freeland said. It will provide “the fiscal support the Canadian economy needs to operate at its full capacity and to stop COVID-19 from doing long-term damage to our economic potential.”

Freeland revised higher the nation’s projected deficit this year to $381.6 billion, or 17.5% of GDP. That’s up from a deficit of 1.7% of GDP last year. According to estimates from the International Monetary Fund, no major economy will show a bigger fiscal swing in 2020.

The budgetary red ink is projected at $121 billion next year, before any additional stimulus. In total, spending linked to the government’s COVID response accounted for C$75 billion of this year’s deficit, and C$51 billion next year.

Based on Monday’s projections, the deficit is seen gradually narrowing to about $51 billion in two years and $25 billion by 2025.

The planned stimulus over the next three years will total no more than 4% of GDP, which the document said is in line with the Bank of Canada’s estimate of the level of slack in the economy. Freeland said, “fiscal guardrails” tied to the labour market would help determine the extent of the additional stimulus.

Among the measures announced today, Freeland boosted the government’s wage subsidy program (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, CEWS) to cover as much as 75% of payroll costs for businesses and extended its commercial rent subsidy and lockdown support top-ups until March. Both were slated to run out on December 20. The current cap on CEWS was 65%.

The federal government plans to create a new funding program to help restaurants, tourism companies and other businesses in industries hardest hit by COVID-19.

The Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP), which was announced in the government’s fiscal update Monday, will offer eligible businesses loans of up to $1 million, with a 10-year term.

The money will be lent by banks or other financial institutions, but guaranteed by the federal government.

“We know that businesses in tourism, hospitality, travel, arts and culture have been particularly hard-hit. So we’re creating a new stream of support for those businesses that need it most — a credit availability program with 100-per-cent government-backed loan support and favourable terms for businesses that have lost revenue as people stay home to fight the spread of the virus,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in her prepared speech to the House of Commons.

Establishing a national childcare plan is a key long-term goal, with Freeland vowing a detailed plan in next year’s budget. In her forward to the fiscal update, she described the daycare strategy as “a feminist plan” that also “makes sound business sense.”

As a start, the Liberals are proposing in their fiscal update to spend $420 million in grants and bursaries to help provinces and territories train and retain qualified early childhood educators.

The Liberals are also proposing to spend $20 million over five years to build a child-care secretariat to guide federal policy work, plus $15 million in ongoing spending for a similar Indigenous-focused body.

The money is designed to lay the foundation for what will likely be a big-money promise in the coming budget.

Current federal spending on child care expires near the end of the decade, but the Liberals are proposing now to keep the money flowing, starting with $870 million a year in 2028.

There is also money for action on climate change. The government allocated C$2.6 billion in grants for homeowners to improve efficiency and $150 million over three years for electric vehicle charging stations.

The government also detailed some help for the hard-hit tourism sector, including funding for airports. But with Transport Minister Marc Garneau’s negotiations with airlines underway, there is no specific money for carriers including Air Canada and WestJet Airlines Ltd.

Bottom Line

There will continue to be great concern about the largest budget deficits since World War II. Does Canada really need the proportionately largest COVID fiscal response in the industrialized world?  The outlook is somewhat less dire than when the government released a fiscal snapshot in July. The unemployment rate at 8.9% is down materially from May’s 13.7% high but well above February’s 5.6%. The economy recovered ground through the third quarter, although the second wave of pandemic and ensuing restrictions undoubtedly will topple economic activity this quarter.

There is little worry that the government can sustain a massive deficit this year. It can, given low debt levels entering the crisis and historically low interest rates. But now that it has no fiscal guardrails, there’s a risk debt-to-GDP will continue to rise in the medium term if it continues to spend ambitiously.

The government is adding a new revenue source by taxing large digital companies. Still, in time, with this level of spending, they will be tempted to raise taxes on domestic sources, for example, hikes in the GST and higher capital gains taxes. This would be misguided, given the fragility of the recovery.

There is a greater risk that the government is overdoing the stimulus with vaccines on the horizon than undergoing it. Canada’s programs have been generous and household-focused compared to our G7 peers. The government must be strategic in assuring that new program spending is focused on future growth, beyond the pandemic, so that our debt-to-GDP will resume its downward trend. The risk is that once created; it is difficult to rein in spending.

SOURCE

Angela Calla is a 16-year award-winning woman of influence and mortgage expert. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. She educates and empowers individuals on the “The Mortgage Show”, which she’s hosted for over a decade and is the best selling author of The Mortgage Code available on Amazon. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to Access Youth Outreach services, a local charity in our community supporting our youth. Additionally, in August of 2020 she surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgage volume at the young age of 37.

Angela leads by example with passion and conviction. She is known as an industry expert on TV and radio and the go-to source for publishers across the Country. She has even been known to sign the national anthem at sporting events! On top of all her achievements, Angela finds the time to be a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children.

For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or 604-939-8777.

The finalists have been chosen for this year’s Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards.

The nominees were announced last week and honored at a virtual finalist celebration held on Facebook live Nov. 8. 

“The Business Excellence Awards were created to recognize outstanding businesses in the Tri-Cities,” the chamber said in a press release. “Each of the nominated businesses and individuals has demonstrated excellence in business and a passion for our community.”

The finalists are:

• Business of the Year (1-10 employees)

Butter Studios

Engineered Bodies Strength & Conditioning

PlayWorks Physio

Labour Rights Law

• Business of the Year (11-30 employees)

Ballistic Arts Media Studios

G Force Gym

Eco Paving

• Business of the Year (30+ employees)

Rocky Point Ice Cream

Summit Labels

Woody’s Pub & Liquor Store

• Business Leader of the Year

Angela Calla, The Angela Calla Team

Sharon Perry, Sharon Perry & Associates, CPA

Bill Laidler, Laidler Group

• Not-For-Profit of the Year

Act2 | Child and Family Services

Immigrant Link Centre Society

Coquitlam Public Library

• Young Professional of the Year

Jessica Morrison, Squish Juicery

Yasaman Madanikia, Expressions Counselling

Paul Choi, Juris Notary

• Environmental Steward of the Year

Fulfill Shoppe

Port Moody Refillery

Wesbild

• Community Spirit Award

Coquitlam Centre

Malik Malikzada, Jamila’s Kitchen & Grill

Tri-Cities Community Foundations

• Business Resiliency Award

Legends Haul

Coquitlam Florist

Patina Brewing

Galactic Entertainment

Novo Textiles

Angela Calla is a 16-year award-winning woman of influence and mortgage expert. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. She educates and empowers individuals on the “The Mortgage Show”, which she’s hosted for over a decade and is the best selling author of The Mortgage Code available on Amazon. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to Access Youth Outreach services, a local charity in our community supporting our youth. Additionally, in August of 2020 she surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgage volume at the young age of 37.

Angela leads by example with passion and conviction. She is known as an industry expert on TV and radio and the go-to source for publishers across the Country. She has even been known to sign the national anthem at sporting events! On top of all her achievements, Angela finds the time to be a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children.

For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or 604-939-8777.

You made it!! Once you have your down payment and have qualified for a pre-approved mortgage (your credit score is in order and all documentation has been provided), you are ready to start searching for your perfect home. Your Mortgage Professional can give you recommendations for a realtor, if you don’t have one already.

CLOSING TIPS

• Clean up your debt and credit score. These two things will carry you through your financial life, so it is important to learn the right habits and put the work in now.
• Get pre-approved! It is worth it.
• Stick to your budget! You went through a lot of effort to prepare it, so don’t look at anything over your budget (even if that house has a REALLY great pool!).
• Don’t forget about closing costs and additional fees! Leave room in your purchase price for these things.
• Ask questions! Anything you are unfamiliar with or are uncomfortable with, ASK! That is what your Mortgage Professional and realtor are here for.

Angela Calla is a 16-year award-winning woman of influence and mortgage expert. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. She educates and empowers individuals on the “The Mortgage Show”, which she’s hosted for over a decade and is the best selling author of The Mortgage Code available on Amazon. All proceeds from her book sales are donated to Access Youth Outreach services, a local charity in our community supporting our youth. Additionally, in August of 2020 she surpassed $1 Billion dollars in funded personal mortgage volume at the young age of 37.

Angela leads by example with passion and conviction. She is known as an industry expert on TV and radio and the go-to source for publishers across the Country. She has even been known to sign the national anthem at sporting events! On top of all her achievements, Angela finds the time to be a loving wife and mother of two beautiful children.

For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or 604-939-8777.