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!
Canada’s packaging and labelling laws are important for anyone selling or importing products for retail, and for consumers wishing to make informed choices about their purchases. Navigating these laws can be difficult as they are often found in several places. In this Report we will provide some examples of Canada’s diverse packaging and labelling laws.
The Rules and Where to Find Them
The basic rules regarding product packaging and labelling in Canada can be found in the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, mandating that the following be present:
On June 1, 2022, Quebec’s Bill 96 amended the Charter of the French Language (the “French Charter”) to include changes to the use of English trademarks on product packaging. Effective June 1, 2025, a registered trademark is generally exempt from the French language requirements (meaning it does not have to be in French).
While this largely codifies existing jurisprudence, accompanying amendments to the Regulation respecting the language of commerce and business (the “Regulation Amendments”) will require additional French wording in some cases, also effective June 1, 2025.
