Gifts of private land are becoming increasingly important to the
preservation of Canada's environmental heritage. The federal
Ecological Gifts Program (the "EGP")
provides a way for Canadians who hold ecologically sensitive land
to simultaneously protect nature for future generations and attract
favourable tax consequences. This article briefly addresses the
benefits, requirements and risks of donating ecologically sensitive
land.
Benefits of Donation
Two sections of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the
"ITA") govern gifts of ecologically
sensitive property. Subsection 118.1(1) of the ITA governs gifts
for individuals, while subsection 110.1(1) governs gifts for
corporations. In Quebec, the process is also governed by the
Quebec Taxation Act (Quebec). If the requirements are met,
corporate donors may deduct the amount of their ecological gift
directly from their taxable income. An individual donor receives a
non-refundable tax credit. In addition, the tax payable on