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The 2010 conference will focus on the latest developments in trust and estate practice, providing insightful and practical commentary from experts in tax, trust law, trust administration, insurance and financial planning. Plenary and workshop sessions will include:

• Is Secrecy Harming Your Client? – With the increasing presumption by tax authorities and regulators that secrecy equals illegality should secrecy be a part of planning for your client? If so, to what extent? What do you do if you disagree with your client? Come hear top practitioners debate the issues surrounding this hot issue.
• Quebec’s attack on “aggressive tax planning” – Our “secrecy” panel will be followed by an update on measures recently undertaken by Revenue Quebec to combat so-called aggressive tax-planning. Will the federal and other provincial governments follow Quebec’s lead?
• Recent Developments in Charity Law – Whether you advise charities or philanthropically minded clients, we’ll provide the latest on tax law, product developments and planning strategies affecting planned giving.
• Shareholder Agreements – How can owner-managers best structure their companies for succession? We look at the strategies involved in dealing with issues such as capital gains, safe income planning, and using life insurance.
• Accelerating a Trust – When should the term of a trust be terminated to accelerate the interest of remainder beneficiaries? A panel of experts from various sectors of the trust industry will review the tax, legal and administrative issues.
• U.S. Dynasty Trusts – This continues to be a key tactic in cross-border planning. Our experts will review tips and traps involved in drafting these trusts, reviewing issues such as power of appointment and U.S. reporting requirements.
• Drafting an Offshore Trust – Our panel of experts will work from an annotated offshore trust deed to show you the basics of how this is done.
• Trust & Estate Fundamentals– This year the conference will offer a number of sessions reviewing fundamental aspects of trust and estate practice, enabling members from one part of STEP Canada’s demographic to share their expertise with colleagues from other disciplines. Some sessions we’re planning include: Key Provisions in Wills & Trusts; Insurance for the Owner-Manager; Trust & Estate Accounting.
• CRA/Finance Roundtable– This year STEP Canada is inviting representatives from both the Canada Revenue Agency and federal Department of Finance to answer questions about the most timely cases and issues facing practitioners and their clients.
• Social Event – Royal Canadian Yacht Club Reception & Dinner– Join your colleagues on a short cruise across Toronto harbour to RCYC for an evening of elegant dining. Stroll the grounds for a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline.