Notice #845A – British Columbia Training and Education Savings Grant (BCTESG) Transfer Policy

On this page

• Information bulletin
• Purpose
• Background
• Impact on Pre-Transfer Repayment Policy
• Effective date
• RESP Transfer form
• Contact us

Information bulletin

Number:  CESP/PCEE-2019/20-007-845
Date: December 05, 2019
Subject: BCTESG Transfer Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this information bulletin is to inform Registered Education Savings Plan (RESP) promoters of the BCTESG Transfer Policy and to clarify the transfer requirements.

Background

Transfers of education savings incentives are subject to eligibility requirements in the applicable federal and provincial legislation.

Following the amendments made to proportional partial transfers in the Canada Education Savings Regulations, the Province of British Columbia will no longer require the BCTESG to be transferred in the same proportion as other property in the RESP that must be proportionally transferred.

This change will provide additional flexibility for both subscribers and beneficiaries. It is expected that there will be fewer repayments of the BCTESG resulting in the loss of the beneficiary’s grant room.

Impact on Pre-Transfer Repayment Policy

The Pre-Transfer Repayment Policy requires that promoters repay an incentive prior to a transfer to avoid conditions that would result in an ineligible transfer.

In a situation where the BCTESG is the incentive that does not satisfy all conditions for an eligible transfer (for example, if the receiving promoter does not offer the BCTESG), the BCTESG can remain behind in the relinquishing RESP and does not need to be repaid in order to proceed with the transfer of the remaining eligible incentives. Therefore, the BCTESG can be “left behind” in the relinquishing RESP.

Effective date

The BCTESG Transfer Policy comes into effect on June 15, 2020.

RESP Transfer Form

The RESP transfer form is currently being revised to reflect these changes. You will be notified when it is available.

Contact us

If you have any questions regarding this information bulletin, please contact us  by e-mail at cesp-pcee@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca or by telephone at 1-888-276-3624. Our hours of operation are from 8 am to 5 pm Eastern Time.