Tax
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November 04, 2024
GST/HST, CRA and weight loss surgery in Mexico
Media reports suggest more Canadians are seeking medical services outside of Canada, sometimes referred to as “medical tourism.” A common reason people travel for health-care services is weight loss. A popular medical technique for weight loss is bariatric surgery, which includes reducing the size of the stomach. Costs for the surgery at private clinics can exceed $25,000.
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November 01, 2024
Judicial council’s 1st ‘guidelines’ for AI use by judges & courts highlight risks, advise caution
The Canadian Judicial Council (CJC) is advising courts to exercise caution when using artificial intelligence (AI) tools given the potential risks, including entangling the judiciary in “legal complexities,” such as the infringement of copyright or violation of privacy laws.
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October 31, 2024
2 new partners join Gowling WLG
A recent news release from Gowling WLG announced the addition of Lesley Kim and Victoria Rodrigues as partners in the firm’s tax group in its Toronto office.
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October 31, 2024
First dealings exemption: How it can save on probate fees
While not mandatory, if there is a will, third-party institutions such as banks or the land registry office, when dealing with real property, typically require that probate be obtained in order to deal with the assets of the estate. Probate is the often-dreaded process where an estate trustee receives a Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee, which confirms their authority to administer the estate.
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October 31, 2024
AI’s (in)ability to reason and what it means for lawyers
One of the most difficult aspects of my role at Fasken is telling lawyers that their great idea for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in their practice is not possible today and may not be possible for some time to come. (Note: Although not all AI is generative AI, for the purpose of this article, they’ll be used largely interchangeably as they often are in day-to-day life.)
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October 30, 2024
Bill would require ‘more disclosure’ from pregnancy counseling orgs on pain of losing charitable status
The minority Liberal government has unveiled legislation that would require “more transparency” from charities that provide pregnancy counselling — accompanied by a government warning that those organizations that do not “clearly and prominently” provide the required public transparency “risk losing charitable status.”
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October 30, 2024
Federal privacy commissioner to investigate thousands of CRA data breaches
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has announced it is officially launching an investigation into more than 30,000 privacy breaches involving Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) accounts going back to 2020, five months after the CRA reported the breaches to the OPC.
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October 30, 2024
The Ontario Land Tribunal: A gradual erosion of access to justice | Brian Cook
Once upon a time in Ontario, there was a robust tribunal system dedicated to environmental and planning issues. While by no means perfect, the system featured adjudicators who had subject matter and dispute resolution expertise. It was possible for citizens and community groups to appeal local land use decisions to what is now the Ontario Land Tribunal and participate in hearings by presenting oral testimony and making submissions.
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October 29, 2024
Canada sanctions weapons & aid suppliers to Myanmar military after hundreds of civilians bombed
In coordination with the EU and the U.K., Canada has imposed sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Burma) Regulations against three individuals and four entities for supplying weapons and military equipment to Myanmar’s military.
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October 29, 2024
Judicial appointment announced for Tax Court
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada Arif Virani announced the appointment of Laurie A. Goldbach as a judge of the Tax Court of Canada, an Oct. 28 news release announced.