Protocol Signed Between Canada and Switzerland

October 22, 2010

• Full text of the Protocol

A Protocol amending the Tax Convention between the Government of Canada and the Swiss Federal Council signed on May 5, 1997, was signed on October 22, 2010, in Bern, Switzerland.

Consistent with the Government’s policy announced in Budget 2007, the Protocol includes provisions reflecting the standard developed by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development for the exchange of tax information.

Canada and Switzerland will notify each other once their respective domestic implementation procedures are complete. The Protocol will enter into force on the date of the later of these notifications. In Canada, the Protocol’s provisions will generally apply for withholding taxes on or after the first day of January of the calendar year next following that in which the Protocol enters into force. For other Canadian taxes, its provisions will generally apply for taxation years that begin on or after the first day of January of the calendar year next following that in which the Protocol enters into force.

A further notice advising of the entry into force of the Protocol will be communicated at that time.

For further information contact:

Tax Legislation Division
Phone: 613-369-4016