TEI grants Distinguished Service Awards to three Canadian officials.

• Position: Tax Executives Institute

The Board of Directors of Tax Executives Institute has voted to grant its Distinguished Service Award to three Canadian officials who recently retired after almost a century of cumulative government service. The three awards will be presented during a gala reception at the 46th Annual Canadian Tax Conference.

TEI President David M. Penney remarked, "This trio of dedicated public servants exemplifies the spirit and purpose of the Institute's award: Outstanding achievement in the field of tax administration, with each nominee contributing above and beyond the call of duty in furthering tax administration at the national or international level." Equally important, added David V. Daubaras, TEI's Vice President for Canadian Affairs, "each has, in words and deeds, promoted the importance of full and frequent participation in Institute matters, including the annual Canadian liaison meetings and educational programs and conferences."

Wayne Adams joined the predecessor to Canada Revenue Agency in 1977 as a field auditor and quickly rose through the ranks, serving in several critical management positions including Director of the Tax Avoidance Section in 1993, and Director of the Legislative Policy Division in 1997. In 2004, he became Director General of the Income Tax Rulings Division, where he was responsible for the issuance of many of the most complex and sensitive rulings and interpretations given by CRA. Indeed, by the time of his retirement in September 2011, Mr. Adams had gained a reputation inside and outside the agency as "Mr. Fix-It"--the go-to guy for resolving the thorniest and most intractable problems in a fair and balanced fashion.

Gerard Lalonde retired from his position as the Director of Tax Legislation Division for the Tax Policy Branch of the Department of Finance at the end of April 2012 after three decades of service. Mr. Lalonde has been an important influence in the formation of tax...