Tax law for Lawyers Conference

Overview

This CBA conference on tax law involved the specialized areas of practice of federally appointed judges at the Tax Court of Canada and Federal Court of Appeal. A particular focus was on income tax law, commodity tax and charity regulation. This conference also focused on legal developments in the areas of corporate and personal taxation and estate planning.

Objectives

This conference was organized by the CBA whose mission is to improve the law, the administration of justice and promote equal access to justice. The conference’s goal was to highlight the practical application of Canadian tax law while discussing significant issues in taxation. A judge from the Tax Court of Canada participated.

Summary

Conference participants had the opportunity to come together to promote knowledge, skills, and ethical standards. Taking part in small group workshops, plenary sessions and panel discussions led by tax experts, participants worked through case studies and problems in a hands-on format.

Conference speakers included specialists from various law firms, judges from the Supreme Court of Canada and Tax Court of Canada, as well as a representative from Justice Canada. Topics discussed included statutory interpretation in the tax context; GST and PST issues in corporate situations; financing issues; purchase and sale of business/assets; tax dispute resolutions; the general anti-avoidance rule; and risk management for tax advisors.