British Steel

British Steel, one of Europe's leading steel makers, obtained Canadian recognition of its UK-based insolvency proceedings on November 13. Despite generating revenue of nearly £1.2 billion, the company lost nearly £19.0 million in its latest fiscal year, as the commercial environment in which it operated deteriorated as a result of, among other things, the uncertainty caused by the UK's decision to leave the European Union (Brexit). Rescue talks failed and on May 22, the UK Court issued an order for the company to be wound-up. Though British Steel does not have a place of business in Canada, it did sell products to Canadian purchasers. In the course of these sales, British Steel was assessed by CRA for GST/HST liabilities of approximately $850.0 thousand and is owed refunds from the CRA of approximately $527.0 thousand. CRA is holding these refunds and is threatening to take legal action to collect the assessed liabilities. In order to resolve these outstanding tax issues, recognition of the UK proceedings was sought. EY is the information officer. Stikeman Elliott is counsel for the applicant.