Chris is a skilled advocate with extensive experience advising on domestic and international tax controversy and litigation matters. He has successfully represented a wide range of clients, including multinational corporations, financial institutions, pension funds and ultra high net worth individuals, and he routinely acts on high value and complex cases. Chris’ strategic approach allows him to position his clients for effective negotiation with the tax authorities, with the objective of obtaining favourable results efficiently and avoiding litigation when possible. He has an exceptional track record, having successfully resolved most of his cases at the administrative level or by consent judgment.
Chris is a member of the firm’s Tax Group and Tax Controversy/Tax Litigation Group. In addition to resolving tax disputes, his practice includes navigating the audit process (including audits under the Canada Revenue Agency’s Related Party Initiative), disclosures under the Voluntary Disclosures Program, requesting interest and penalty relief and other discretionary remedies, challenging collection action initiated by the tax authorities, and applications for rectification of transactions that resulted in unintended tax consequences. He also collaborates with other members of the Tax Group to assist clients with transactional and tax advisory matters.
Chris has been recognized in International Tax Review’s World Tax Guide for his expertise in Tax Controversy. He has authored articles on a variety of tax issues in professional legal journals and presents at conferences and other events for tax executives and tax practitioners.
Early in his legal career, Chris completed a judicial clerkship at the Tax Court of Canada. Prior to joining Aird & Berlis, Chris was a senior partner at a national law firm affiliated with one of the Big 4 accounting firms, where he co-led the affiliated firm’s tax litigation practice in Toronto.