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Edwin G. Kroft KC

Tax Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones

Partner

Andrew Young

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Associate

Spencer Brown

Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

Issue 35 of Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes, published on <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.gettaxnetpro.com/" target="_blank">Taxnet Pro</a> by Thomson Reuters, features an overview of recent cases of note and cases under appeal. This issue contains two articles from members of Bennett Jones' tax group. <a href="/People/B/Brown-Spencer">Spencer Brown</a> discusses the most recent Canada Revenue Agency guidance about the application of the general anti-avoidance rule and <a href="/People/Y/Young-Andrew">Andrew Young</a> comments on the recent Tax Court of Canada decision in Martin v the King, 2024 TCC 153. Issue 35 also contains summaries of recent tax decisions, tables regarding tax appeals and practice directives from the courts.

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes February 2025

Bennett Jones on Tax Disputes: February 2025

Jared A. Mackey

Corporate Tax Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

On October 29, 2024, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2024/trust-reporting-for-the-2024-tax-year.html" target="_blank">issued a release</a> stating that it will not require bare trusts to file trust returns for the 2024 tax year, continuing the administrative exemption that was <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2024/bare-trusts-exempt-from-trust-reporting-requirements-2023.html" target="_blank">granted for the 2023 tax year</a>. The CRA's recent announcement follows on the heels of <a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fin.canada.ca/drleg-apl/2024/ita-lir-0824-l-3-eng.html" target="_blank">proposed amendments</a> to the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the Proposed Amendments) released in August that, among things, would provide targeted reporting relief for bare trusts meeting certain criteria.

CRA Relief and Proposed Amendments Mitigate Bare Trust Reporting Burden on Energy Companies

The <a href="https://www.budget.canada.ca/2023/home-accueil-en.html">2023 Canadian Federal Budget</a>, released March 28, 2023, provides particulars on the proposed new two percent tax on share buybacks and expands the proposal to apply to repurchases of equity by certain trusts and partnerships.

Canada Clarifies and Expands Proposal for Equity Buyback Tax

The federal government's <a rel="noopener noreferrer" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.budget.gc.ca/fes-eea/2022/home-accueil-en.html" target="_blank">2022 Fall Economic Statement</a>, released on November 3, 2022, introduced a new tax on share buybacks by public corporations in Canada. Under the proposal, which would come into force on January 1, 2024, a two percent corporate-level tax would apply on the "net value" of a corporation's share buybacks.

Canada Proposes New Tax On Share Buybacks

Lisa Kakoske

Corporate and Securities Lawyer

Samantha Chenatte

Associate at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Globally, women represent nearly half of the agricultural workforce, yet they still face systemic barriers that prevent them from accessing, using and contributing to innovations in agricultural technology (Agritech), which is poised to transform agricultural systems across the world.

Gender Inclusivity Driving Growth in Agritech Industry

Sara G. Parchello

Employment Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

David Cassin

Brendan J. Weiler

Employment Services Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Two recent Ontario Superior Court decisions&mdash;Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto&mdash;clarify that the phrase &ldquo;at any time&rdquo; in a termination clause does not automatically invalidate an employment agreement under the ESA. While both cases distinguish earlier restrictive rulings, ongoing inconsistencies, including the Chan decision, highlight the need for appellate guidance. Employers should continue to review contracts carefully to ensure ESA compliance.

Termination At Any Time A Review of Recent Developments

Termination “At Any Time”? A Review of Recent Developments from Li v Wayfair Canada Inc. and Jones v Strides Toronto

Mykala Way

Commercial Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

Jane C. Helmstadter

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Toronto

The Ontario Court of Appeal&rsquo;s decision in 100 Bloor Street West Corporation v. Barry&rsquo;s Bootcamp Canada Inc. underscores the risks of vague realty tax provisions in commercial leases. The case highlights how inconsistent or ambiguous calculation methods can expose both landlords and tenants to costly litigation. Clear, consistent, and fair drafting of tax allocation clauses is essential to avoid disputes and ensure predictable outcomes.

One Method Many Taxes Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax

One Method, Many Taxes: Lease Interpretation and Realty Tax Allocation in 100 Bloor Street West v. Barry’s Bootcamp

Michelle F. Yung

Real Estate Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Vanessa Kiraly

A recent Ontario Superior Court decision underscores the importance of precise lease drafting. In Malleum Real Estate v. Donut Monster, the court held that tenant obligations began on the fixed commencement date&mdash;regardless of unfinished landlord improvements or pandemic disruptions. The ruling highlights that assumptions cannot override clear lease terms and offers practical lessons for both landlords and tenants.

When Assumptions Break Leases The Need for Clear Terms

When Assumptions Break Leases: The Need for Clear Terms

Vasilis F. L. Pappas, FCIArb

International Arbitration Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver and Calgary

Partner 

Melanie Teetaert

Commercial Litigation Lawyer at Bennett Jones Vancouver

Geoffrey P. Stenger

Project Development, Energy, Infrastructure and Construction Lawyer at Bennett Jones Calgary

On October 7, 2025, British Columbia introduced Bill 20, the Construction Prompt Payment Act. If enacted, it will overhaul payment timelines and create a fast-track adjudication process for construction disputes. The legislation is expected to significantly impact owners, contractors and subcontractors across the province.

Suzanne Byrne and Spencer Brown on Tax and Trust

From the Same Authors