Tax
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October 30, 2024
The Ontario Land Tribunal: A gradual erosion of access to justice | Brian Cook
Once upon a time in Ontario, there was a robust tribunal system dedicated to environmental and planning issues. While by no means perfect, the system featured adjudicators who had subject matter and dispute resolution expertise. It was possible for citizens and community groups to appeal local land use decisions to what is now the Ontario Land Tribunal and participate in hearings by presenting oral testimony and making submissions.
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October 29, 2024
Canada sanctions weapons & aid suppliers to Myanmar military after hundreds of civilians bombed
In coordination with the EU and the U.K., Canada has imposed sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against three individuals and four entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to Myanmar’s military.
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October 29, 2024
Judicial appointment announced for Tax Court
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani announced the appointment of Laurie A. Goldbach as a judge of the Tax Court of Canada, an Oct. 28 news release announced.
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October 29, 2024
When a holding company makes sense in estate law
The preparation of a will to direct and manage the transfer of assets between a person and their beneficiaries is often the primary focus in the estate planning process. What is not always considered by many is the role proper estate planning plays in the preservation of wealth and the minimization of taxes on the transfer of those assets.
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October 28, 2024
The legalities and liabilities of short-term rentals in Alberta
In recent years, the rise of online vacation rental platforms like Airbnb has revolutionized the travel industry worldwide. In Alberta, these rental properties have become increasingly popular given the flexibility and diverse range of accommodations available for those seeking an alternative to traditional hotels.
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October 25, 2024
FINTRAC special bulletin on use of legal profession in money laundering, sanctions evasion
On Oct. 23, 2024, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) published a Special Bulletin on the use of the legal profession in money laundering and sanctions evasion. I think this publication, especially its timing, raises an interesting question — but before I get to that question, we need to review the history between FINTRAC and the legal profession.
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October 24, 2024
Estate freezes: An icebreaker
Parents who run a family business often wish to pass that business and its proceeds on to their children. However, simply transferring the shares of the business to their children through their wills is often costly, chiefly due to the tax liabilities incurred by the estate. Several tax planning strategies have been developed to mitigate these tax liabilities. One of these strategies is known as an “estate freeze.”
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October 22, 2024
New partner, associate join Aird & Berlis
Aird & Berlis LLP recently announced that Keith Brown had joined the firm as a partner in the firm’s Indigenous practice, energy, environmental law, infrastructure and litigation groups. The firm also announced the addition of Rebecca Skinner as an associate in the tax and tax controversy/tax litigation groups.
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October 18, 2024
Ottawa announces surtax reimbursement program for some Canadian businesses
The federal government has announced it will reimburse some Canadian businesses for the additional surtaxes it is charging on electric vehicles (EVs) and steel and aluminum imported from China.
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October 17, 2024
Business organizations call on federal government to scrap capital gains tax increase
The Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), along with 20 other industry organizations, is calling on the federal government to scrap the upcoming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate and to make the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive available to business owners in all sectors.