CRA Commissioner, government officials highlight 42nd Annual Canadian Tax Conference: Institute presents Distinguished Service Award to CRA's Ed Gauthier.

TEI Vice President for Region I (Canada) Munir A. Suleman welcomed more than 150 members, guests, government officials, and sponsors to the 42nd Annual Canadian Tax Conference held May 4-7, 2008, in Gatineau, Quebec.

The strong participation and support of Canadian government officials was the key to bringing members up-to-date reports on the latest in Canadian tax policy and administrative developments. Kicking off the conference, officials from Canada Revenue Agency--Wayne Adams, Director General of the Income Tax Rulings Directorate, and Pierre Bertrand, Director General Excise and GST/HST Rulings Directorate--headed separate panels of CRA participants on income and commodity tax matters, respectively. Joining Mr. Bertrand were Ivan Bastasic, Director of Financial Institutions and Real Property Division; Phil McLester, Director Excise Duties and Taxes Division; Phillipe Nault, Director of Public Service Bodies and Governments Division; and John Sitka, Director of General Operations and Border Issues Division. Mr. Adams was assisted by Mara Praulins, Director General Audit and Professional Services Directorate; Jean-Jacques Lefebvre, Director General International and Large Business Directorate; and Deen Olson, Special Advisor Department of Justice Tax Law Services.

Bookending the conference, panelists from the Department of Finance closed out the conference by reporting the latest legislative developments. Rainier Nowak, Senior Chief General Operations and Border Issues; and Jim Daman, Special Advisor to the Assistant Deputy Minister, addressed GST and HST matters, and Gerard Lalonde, Director of the Tax Legislation Division; Lawrence Purdy, Senior Chief Tax Legislation; and Dave Beaulne, Senior Chief Tax Legislation handled the income tax side. Between the opening and closing panels, participants were briefed by members and practitioners on transfer-pricing litigation, customs and income tax issues in transfer pricing, the government's advisory panel on Canada's system of international taxation, the intersection of tax planning and litigation, Quebec sales tax developments, U.S. sales and use tax developments, foreign affiliate rules, and the Canada-U.S. tax treaty. Phil Fortier, Director International Tax Directorate; and CRA Transfer Pricing Specialist Michelle Levac, reported on CRA's involvement in the OECD's working groups. In addition, Marlie Burtt of the Calgary Chapter was presented with the Canadian Income Tax Committee's meritorious service award.

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At the Tuesday luncheon, TEl Senior Vice President Vince Alicandri presented the Institute's Distinguished Service Award to Edouardo (Ed) Gauthier for his myriad contributions to Canadian tax administration. During keynote luncheon remarks preceding the award, CRA Commissioner William V. Baker acknowledged the great value the agency places on its relationship and open dialogue with TEI. He also expressed his and the agency's appreciation for the Institute's recognition of Mr. Gauthier's contributions and service. Lyse Ricard, Assistant Commissioner, also attended the luncheon.

Numerous officials, including Messrs. Baker and Gauthier and Deputy Minister of Finance Rob Wright joined TEI members, guests, and sponsors at a reception on Tuesday evening.

In closing the conference, Mr. Suleman expressed his appreciation to David M. Penney, chair of the Canadian Income Tax Committee and Phil W. Riley, chair of the Canadian Tax Committee, and Karen Kolankowski, Conference Coordinator for planning and executing another excellent conference. Mr. Suleman encouraged the participants to save the comparable May 2009 dates for the 43rd Annual Canadian Tax Conference.

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