3 Critical Tax and Corporate Secretarial Stories for CFOs

In today's fast-paced environment, staying ahead of tax compliance and corporate governance changes is essential. According to Press Monitor's tracking of Canadian publications, three key stories emerged on August 21, 2026, that every CFO and tax professional should know. This media monitoring roundup brings you the latest developments.

1. John Tavares Tax Battle

The Toronto Maple Leafs’ $11-million-a-year man John Tavares would rather be at his million-dollar Muskoka cottage than quibbling in court over the $8 million he owes Canada. Former tax specialist Kevin Bowen argues that Tavares is taxed in Canada on his worldwide earnings, which includes the bonus.

Why it matters: This case highlights the complexity of residency-based taxation for high-net-worth individuals and could set precedents for cross-border tax disputes.

Key detail: Former tax specialist Kevin Bowen argues Tavares is taxed on worldwide earnings, including his signing bonus.

Source: Toronto Star

2. Shopify Seeks Court Stay on CRA Request

The Globe And Mail reports that Shopify Inc. is asking the Federal Court to temporarily halt a fresh attempt by the Canada Revenue Agency to access information about its merchants, the latest in a legal saga balancing government access and consumer privacy.

Why it matters: The balance between government tax enforcement and merchant privacy is at stake, with implications for e-commerce platforms nationwide.

Key detail: Shopify is asking the Federal Court to temporarily halt a CRA attempt to access merchant information.

Source: The Globe and Mail (Irene Galea)

3. Canada's Corporate Income Tax Impacts on Exports

Financial Post reports that Canada's corporate income tax imposes taxes that exempt imports from other countries but tax our own exports to those countries. This makes it more expensive to export goods and services from Canada.

Why it matters: The current tax structure makes Canadian exports more expensive, affecting competitiveness in global markets.

Key detail: Canada's corporate income tax exempts imports but taxes exports, creating a disadvantage.

Source: Financial Post Magazine

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