Skip to main content

As they did in 2016, Canadian courts last year displayed a fairly even-handed approach to business cases. Six of Lexpert's top 10 legal decisions can be viewed as making life easier for business, with four presenting new challenges. BP Canada Energy v. Canada tops the list, as the Federal Court of Appeal put the kibosh on the Canada Revenue Agency's attempts to force taxpayers to turn over their working papers and internal assessments of perceived exposure to tax risks. In Google v. Equustek Solutions, the Supreme Court enunciated a new doctrine that enabled parties wronged by internet behaviour to obtain global orders against third parties. And the twin cases of Alberta v. University of Calgary and Lizotte v. Aviva Insurance further enshrined solicitor-client privilege.

Lexpert contributor Julius Melnitzer reports at www.lexpert.ca.

Follow @Lexpert on Twitter.

Justin Trudeau says the Liberals have invested 'historic sums' to crack down on tax avoidance. Opposition parties questioned the prime minister over leaked records suggesting his party’s top fundraiser is linked to offshore tax havens.

The Canadian Press

Interact with The Globe