CBAO National Commodity Tax, Customs and Trade Section – 2013 GST/HST Questions for Revenue Canada, Q. 22. ("Assumption of ‘Under Water' Contract")

A GST-registered Vendor sells resource properties to a GST-registered Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to assume long-term contracts ("Assumed Contracts") for the processing of the properties' production at prices greater than the current market rates. The negative value of the Assumed Contracts is netted against the purchase price payable by Purchaser. CRA stated:

The definition of "service" in [s.] 123(1)… is broad, and… encompasses the assumption of the obligations of another party in return for consideration from the other party. … In this case, the Purchaser has supplied a service to the vendor and GST/HST is collectible on the consideration payable for the supply of the service.

A GST-registered Vendor sells resource properties to a GST-registered Purchaser, and Purchaser agrees to assume long-term contracts ("Assumed Contracts") for the processing of the properties' production at prices greater than the current market rates. The negative value of the Assumed Contracts is netted against the purchase price payable by Purchaser. CRA stated:

The definition of "service" in [s.] 123(1)… is broad, and… encompasses the assumption of the obligations of another party in return for consideration from the other party. … In this case, the Purchaser has supplied a service to the vendor and GST/HST is collectible on the consideration payable for the supply of the service.