I am leading a purpose-built team to service business start-ups, expansions, transitions, restructuring and sales with tax efficiency at the forefront of our advice. We believe legal advice should be practical, relevant, and responsive to all the needs of business owners, whether that requires legal advice on business affairs or on personal matters.

An experienced private enterprise advisor understands the special circumstances, dynamics and legal relationships prevalent in closely held companies and family-owned businesses. We know that these factors present both long term tax planning opportunities as well as challenges for estate structuring and multi-generational business succession. We have taken steps to integrate family law advice into our offering to complete and preserve the long-term objectives of business owners and their families.

We prioritize creativity and the establishment of relationships. We have the experience to deliver enduring value to the owners at each stage of the business cycle. Where needed, we deal directly with the Canada Revenue Agency to resolve ambiguity and disputes in a constructive and cost-effective manner.

The tax planning and tax-driven commercial transaction files I am retained on include:

  • Cross-generational estate and governance plans for business and wealth preservation;
  • Domestic corporate reorganizations and restructuring;
  • Succession and business exit strategies for private business including share and asset sales;
  • The formation of business structures (incorporations, trusts, partnerships) for entrepreneurs and capital raising activity;
  • Estate administration and post-mortem tax planning for high net worth families and business owners;
  • Voluntary disclosure applications and tax dispute resolution with the Canada Revenue Agency; and,
  • Canadian departure tax matters.

I have also been retained on several mandates involving the specialized design and implementation of First Nations business structures.

Select Speaking Engagements & Publications

  • Presenter, September 19, 2023, BC Real Estate Tax Update – British Columbia Tax Conference, Canadian Tax Foundation;
  • Presenter, September 2022 Cidel Conference, “Current Canadian Expatriation Tax Issues”;
  • Presenter, September 2018 Cidel Conference, “Tax Competitiveness & Effect on Foreign Investment in Canada”;
  • Presenter, September 18, 2017, “Current Case Update 2017” – British Columbia Tax Conference, Canadian Tax Foundation;
  • Presenter, May 31, 2017, “Succeeding in Business Despite the Global Assault on Tax Planning” – Tax Executives Institute Seminar;
  • Co–Presented, May 18, 2017, “Tax on BC Real Estate – What Changed in 2016?” – CPABC Summit Series;
  • May 25, 2016, “Structuring Your Business for Sale” – Live on The Simi Sara Show, CKNW Radio;
  • November 9, 2015, “Tax Planning for Business Owners” –Live on The Lynda Steele Show, CKNW Radio;
  • January 13, 2015, “Year End Tax Planning, Tips & Traps” – Live on The Morning Show with Jon McComb, CKNW Radio;
  • Presented, September 26, 2013, “Tax Issues and Opportunities in Business Transactions” – Insight Conference, 2013 Advanced Edition, Drafting and Negotiating Major Business Agreements;
  • Presented, October 16, 2012, “Tax Issues Associated with Purchase & Sale Agreements” – Insight Conference, 2012, Major Business Agreements;
  • Co-author, “Executive Compensation – Current and Deferred Remuneration Strategies”, presented at the Canadian Tax Foundation British Columbia Tax Conference, Vancouver, British Columbia, September 24-25, 2012.

Memberships and Affiliations

  • Member, Canadian Tax Foundation
  • Member, Canadian Bar Association