Elena Joanna Balkos

Elena's practice involves advisory, planning and dispute resolution services in all areas of sales, customs and commodity tax, including GST/HST, provincial sales taxes (such as PST and QST), land transfer tax, excise taxes and tariffs. Her practice also involves advising clients on the structuring of import/export arrangements, customs duties, valuation methodology and tariff classification.

With a commitment to delivering practical, business-oriented advice, Elena advises clients across diverse industries such as real estate, e-commerce, healthcare, manufacturing, software and financial services. Her expertise supports businesses in mergers and acquisitions, establishing or expanding operations in Canada, navigating the complexities of indirect tax and customs compliance, mitigating risks, and identifying opportunities for cost savings and tax efficiency.

Elena also has extensive experience representing clients throughout the tax dispute resolution process — from initial audits and voluntary disclosures to formal objections and litigation. She advocates before the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), provincial tax authorities and the Tax Court of Canada, providing strategic, results-driven counsel to resolve tax assessments.

Northview Fund in its C$742-million acquisition of three multi-family portfolios with properties in Alberta, Ontario, Nova Scotia and Quebec

The appliance business purchaser in the cross-border Chapter 11/CCAA recognition proceedings of Instant Brands Group

The purchaser in the cross-border Chapter 11/CCAA recognition proceedings of David's Bridal