CRA confirms that it is possible to structure a P3 project so as to defer the applicability of GST/HST until revenues are ascertained

Typically, P3 project construction costs for a hospital, bridge etc. are intended for ITA purposes to be viewed as consideration for the grant of a concession or licence (a Class 14 property) by the public authority to the private operating company to enter onto the premises to operate it and earn a monthly operating fee (see e.g., 2006-0218781R3). On the ETA side, CRA instead views the consideration for the incurring of the construction costs as being included in the subsequent monthly amounts payable by the authority. Provided that the amount of such consideration is not yet ascertainable, GST/HST is not triggered (one month after substantial completion) under ETA s. 168(3)(c) on the value of the supply made to the public authority by virtue of the supply of the hospital etc. and is deferred under s. 168(6) until the monthly amounts become ascertainable.

Neal Armstrong. Summary of 8 March 2018 CBA Commodity Taxes Roundtable, Q.4 under ETA s. 168(6).