Department profile

Tax: Litigation

Global Guide 2026 : Canada

Rankings

Ranked Individuals

About

Provided by Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP

The Osler Tax Group is consistently recognized as a leading provider of tax law services. From offices in Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, Ottawa, Vancouver and New York, Osler’s tax lawyers operate as an integrated unit and in partnership with clients to develop sophisticated solutions to their most complex and important taxation issues. With close to 60 tax professionals, they are able to offer clients expert advice on a broad range of taxation matters of importance to their business interests. In addition, they are pleased to share the benefit of Osler’s extensive experience through Osler Updates, seminars, webinars and other client tailored programs.

The team offers leading expertise and have extensive experience in each of the following areas of corporate tax practice: M&A, Corporate reorganizations and restructurings, tax advisory services, tax controversy and litigation, transfer pricing, Canada/U.S. cross-border tax planning and indirect tax.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Tax: Litigation - Canada

What the Team is Known For

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt is renowned for its exceptional tax group, with strength and depth in both tax planning and dispute resolution. Much admired for the breadth of its subject matter and geographical coverage, the firm is particularly well regarded for its litigation expertise as well as advising on big-ticket M&A and transactions. It is also noted for its robust sales tax practice and its work on international taxation and transfer pricing issues. The department's impressive client list includes significant players from a variety of sectors including manufacturing, energy, real estate, technology and financial services.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt provided tax advice to Westbrick Energy on its CAD1.075 billion sale to Vermilion Energy by way of a plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Osler has assembled a team across Canada with experience in all areas of tax controversy. They also respond quickly when new matters arise.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Osler is excellent at handling multiple deliverables with tight deadlines and is very responsive to client communication.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Osler provides a full practice and their broad perspective, along with in-depth expertise, results in tax lawyers who can relate to the challenges their clients face, with practical solutions.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
The firm has lots of experienced practitioners that bring divergent views to problems. They have lots of bench strength and do a good job of deploying the right resources for the problem.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
The team is very responsive, knowledgeable and really just a great partner to work with.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Star Individuals
Star Individuals
Al Meghji
Al Meghji in Toronto is widely exalted as a luminary in the field of tax disputes. He has represented numerous blue-chip clients, including standout names in natural resources, financial services and retail.
Al is considered the top tax litigator in the country. He stands above all others. While he does a great job in the court, what he does outside the court is equally impressive.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Al is recognised as the most experienced lawyer in tax litigation in Canada.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Nobody has dominated a practice area in law the way Al has dominated tax litigation.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Al is the best in the industry.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 1
Band 1
Firoz Ahmed
Firoz Ahmed advises on the full gamut of matters in the tax space, including high-value acquisitions, in addition to complex corporate restructuring mandates. He is based in Toronto.
Firoz is terrific.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 1
Band 1
Patrick Marley
Toronto-based Patrick Marley enjoys a stellar reputation and is particularly noted for his expertise in international transactions, as well as advising on major corporate listings and commercial agreements.
He is the Canadian expert in international tax.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Pat is very timely and practical with his responses. He understands our business and is able to match our business needs with the tax challenges we face.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Pat is very responsive, thorough and makes sure all considerations are being conveyed in a clear and concise manner.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 4
Band 4
Edward Rowe
Co-chair of the tax group, Edward Rowe is a highly experienced lawyer who regularly advises clients on tax disputes and tax audits. Based in Calgary, he is particularly active working for clients in the energy and agricultural industries.
Edward is very strong technically.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Edward is recognised for both his tax technical expertise and also is experienced as a litigator.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
He is a superb tax lawyer.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Mark Brender
Mark Brender provides tax counsel to his clients on various transactions and investments. He stands out for his role in high-profile M&A deals, including the acquisition of distressed assets. Brender leads the tax group in Montréal.
To be able to have a complex matter distilled into something digestible is Mark's great strength.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 3
Band 3
Olivier Fournier
Olivier Fournier has a strong tax litigation practice that sees him work on transfer pricing disputes, among other matters. He is based in Montréal and Toronto.
He is a great communicator and provides very high levels of service.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Olivier is an exceptional tax lawyer, who operates with a keen understanding of business. He has extraordinary client service skills.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Olivier is very thoughtful and very thorough.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Olivier is very focused on our needs and keeps us informed in a timely manner.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Olivier is an extremely capable and intelligent tax litigator. He is also strategic and delivers results.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 4
Band 4
Amanda Heale
Amanda Heale is an esteemed tax litigator with experience acting for clients in international tax and transfer pricing litigation.
Amanda has impressed me. She is great.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Amanda is knowledgeable, practical and provides tax litigation-oriented advice.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 4
Band 4
Joanne Vandale
Joanne Vandale is growing in prominence due to her capable handling of various contentious tax issues. These include cases in the oil and gas and energy sectors.
Joanne is attune to commercial sensitivities and has in-depth experience as a litigator.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
Joanne is excellent to work with.
Tax: Litigation respondentGlobal
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Band 5
Band 5
Manon Thivierge
Manon Thivierge regularly works on tax issues concerning transactions such as M&A and dispositions.
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