Capital gain is separate to the income 'tax-free threshold' if this is what you are eluding to?
Someone asked above can their losses offset the income tax they are paying. No, because capital losses can only be offset by capital gains, if none we made that year, then they carry over indefinitely until you make enough capitals gains to push yourself out of the red, and then, every dollar above break even you are paying tax on.
If you are not working, and therefore not claiming tax-free threshold, you just forego that opportunity completely, unless you are paying yourself a salary I guess, but I'm far from an expert on this stuff!