Welcome to the wonderful world of Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) on real estate transactions |
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Written by Christopher Green
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Friday, 20 November 2009 08:31 |
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Many people think that the dreaded HST doesn't kick in until July of next year. For purchasers of "pre-sold" new housing (that is new construction still in the course of construction, with an expected completion date after July 1, 2010) the HST era arrived today.
The HST transitional rules (the Residential Housing, New Housing Rebate and Transitional Rules) are now in effect for all purchase contracts entered into on or after midnight November 18, 2009. You can still escape the tax if the deal completes and ownership and possession change before July.
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Lest We Forget |
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Written by Christopher Green
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Monday, 09 November 2009 00:00 |
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Many years ago, when the world was very young, I spent part of a summer working for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, as a tour guide at Vimy Ridge. Every morning I would walk to work along quiet country lanes, past farmers fields where the outlines of the old trenches could still clearly be discerned, often pausing at the small, forgotten cemeteries that seemed to grace every intersection.
I spent a lot of time exploring the labyrinth of tunnels that catacomb the ridge, trying to imagine what it must have been like and marvelling at the soldiers' graffiti that still covered their walls over 50 years after Canadian troops had huddled there in the dark, waiting to go into battle.
My experiences that summer left me with a profound respect for those who served, and serve, in our armed forces, and an equally profound sense of duty to pause, every November 11th, in remembrance of their sacrifices.
Our offices will be closed on November 11th, to honour all of those who served in our armed forces, and in special remembrance of
My Father - Col. T.J. Green / WWII, Korea
My Grandfather - Sgt. G.T. Green / WWI
My Grandfather - Lt. B.V. Richardson Q.C. / WWI
My Stepfather - Maj. Gen. N.H. Ross / WWII
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Welcoming the Wills, Estates and Succession Act |
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Written by Christopher Green
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Tuesday, 13 October 2009 00:00 |
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Today's announcement by the Attorney General of a sweeping overhaul to the legislation pertaining to wills and estates caught us, like most practitioners, by surprise. However, the proposed new Wills, Estates and Succession Act looks at first glance like a laudable piece of legislation. While it would take a good study of the legislation to think through all of the wrinkles, it appears that the government is serious about tackling the thorny problem of undue influence as it relates to the making of a will.
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Apparently not all lawyers go to law school |
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Written by Christopher Green
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Thursday, 29 October 2009 00:00 |
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We were suitably impressed by the recent announcement by Thompson Rivers University of a new law school, which brings to three the number of law schools in B.C. However, we feel compelled to note the following:
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Long lawyer-free weekend |
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Written by Christopher Green
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Friday, 09 October 2009 00:00 |
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With the courts closed on Monday, I thought I might as well give the staff a day off to prep for re-opening and double overtime starting on Tuesday...
Happy Thanksgiving, one and all!
Oh, and if you're wondering with which wine to dine on turkey, take your pick from New Zealand Pinot Noir, California Zinfindel or a BC Chardonnay (you remember that other bird, the Burrowing Owl?).
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