We are a super-boutique Canadian tax and trade law firm, with litigation and planning expertise in tax, trade, GST/HST and customs matters. Our client base is comprised of national and international leaders in almost every industry sector who have come to rely on us for the specific and cost-effective litigation services and advice that we can provide.
When matters cannot be resolved with the governmental authorities to our clients’ satisfaction, we represent them in tax and trade litigation before all relevant courts, and at all levels of court, including before the Tax Court of Canada, the Canadian International Trade Tribunal, the Federal Court and Federal Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada.
Our tax practice includes a focus on Canada’s GST/HST system, which is a multi-level, value-added taxing system, imposed under Canada's Excise Tax Act (the ETA), and administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (the CRA). The GST applies at a 5% rate federally, and the HST applies an additional provincial component by province, resulting in GST/HST rates ranging from 5% to 15% nationally.
Our Customs and Trade practice focuses on all Canadian issues affecting the movement of goods to and from Canada, including tariff classification, origin, valuation, marking, seizures and ascertained forfeitures, and export controls. Our trade practice also includes assisting clients on NAFTA, and Anti-Dumping & Countervail (SIMA) matters, and much much more.
Our firm has a special focus on direct selling companies. Our firm is truly a “one stop shop” for direct sellers looking to expand into the Canadian marketplace. From tax structuring assistance to help with incorporation, to compliance with Canada’s anti-pyramid laws and provincial consumer protection licensing, we have assisted hundreds of direct selling companies in the Canadian marketplace with their legal compliance, including four of the last six DSA Rising Star Award winners!
REMISSION AVAILABLE FOR SURTAXES IMPOSED ON US GOODS
We had previously written that the Government of Canada (“Canada”) was planning to provide a remission process for its retaliatory tariffs here.
On April 16, 2025, Canada implemented the United States Surtax Remission Order (2025) (the “Order”), providing an avenue for much needed relief from its three rounds of retaliatory tariffs. Importers seeking to mitigate the effects of Canada’s retaliatory tariffs should seek legal advice from international trade counsel to determine their eligibility and assist with remission applications.
REMISSION AVAILABLE FOR SURTAXES ON CERTAIN CHINESE GOODS
As we blogged on previously here and here, the surtaxes imposed on certain Chinese goods imported into Canada have the potential to place undue burdens on Canadian businesses relying on those products.
The recently implemented China Surtax Remission Order (2024) (the “Order”) provides much needed remission for Canadian businesses. Continue reading this Report for more details.