Husky Energy Inc. v. The King

Husky Energy Inc. v. The King

Applying Rule 147(3) factors collectively, the court found the Respondent wholly successful, with substantial amounts in issue, important and complex treaty issues, and significant volume of work; however a near-full indemnity (92%) was unreasonable. The court therefore awarded a reasonable partial indemnity...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
2024 TCC 73
Parties
Appellant: Husky Energy Inc.; Respondent: His Majesty the King
Court
Tax Court of Canada
Jurisdiction
Canada
Judgment Date
23 May 2024
Procedural Posture
Income Tax Appeal (part XIII Withholding Tax) / Written Submissions on Costs and Costs Order (tax Court of Canada Rule 147)
Outcome
Respondent awarded a lump sum contribution of $300,000 for legal fees and $11,812.37 for expert disbursements; Respondent's costs claim otherwise reduced and disbursement for non-testifying expert disallowed.
Legal Topics
Part XIII Withholding Tax, Beneficial Ownership, Costs, Income Tax Act, Canada–luxembourg Income Tax Convention, General Anti Avoidance Rule (gaar)
Source Language
en
Tax Law International Tax Treaty Law Civil Procedure Part XIII Withholding Tax Beneficial Ownership Costs Income Tax Act +2 more

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Parties

Husky Energy Inc.

Appellant

His Majesty the King

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Income Tax Appeal (part XIII Withholding Tax) / Written Submissions on Costs and Costs Order (tax Court of Canada Rule 147)

  1. 1 Whether Luxembourg resident shareholders were beneficial owners of dividends for treaty relief
  2. 2 Proper withholding rate under Canada–Luxembourg treaty (5% v. 15%)
  3. 3 Appropriate quantum of costs to award under Rule 147

Ratio Decidendi

Applying Rule 147(3) factors collectively, the court found the Respondent wholly successful, with substantial amounts in issue, important and complex treaty issues, and significant volume of work; however a near-full indemnity (92%) was unreasonable. The court therefore awarded a reasonable partial indemnity contribution of $300,000 toward the Respondent's legal fees and allowed $11,812.37 for the expert who filed a report and testified but disallowed the disbursement for the non-testifying expert.

Court Disposition

Respondent awarded a lump sum contribution of $300,000 for legal fees and $11,812.37 for expert disbursements; Respondent's costs claim otherwise reduced and disbursement for non-testifying expert disallowed.

Orders

  • Respondent awarded the amount of $300,000 in respect of legal fees incurred and the amount of $11,812.37 in respect of disbursements incurred