All Flashcards
(218 cards)
In what circumstances can a trustee NOT act?
except with permission of the court
s.13.3(1)
- The trustee was a director or officer of the debtor in the last 2 years.
- The trustee was an employer or employee of the debtor or director in the last 2 years.
- The trustee was related to the debtor or director in the last 2 years.
- The trustee was the auditor, accountant, legal counsel, or a partner or employee of the auditor, accountant, or legal counsel in the last 2 years.
- Where the trustee holds Power of Attorney or holder of trust for the debtor or anyone related to the debtor.
- Where the trustee is related to the Power of Attorney or holder of trust.
Define “Related Person” as it means in the BIA.
s.4(2)
- Individuals related by blood, marriage, common-law, or adoption.
- An entitiy and:
- a person who controls the entity, if 1 person
- a person who is a member of a related group that controls the entity. - 2 entities:
- cotrolled by the same person or group of persons
- each of which is controlled by 1 person who controls one of the entities is related to the person who controls the other entity.
When may a trustee act, but must disclose on the EIS?
s.13.3(2)
No Trustee Shall act as trustee in relation to the estate of a debtor where the trustee is already
a. the trustee in the bankruptcy of, or in a proposal concerning, any person related to the debtor, or
b. the receiver, within the meaning of subsection 243(2), or the liquidator of the property of any person related to the debtor,
without making, at the time of being appointed as trustee in relation to the estate of the debtor and at the first meeting of creditors, full disclosure of that fact and of the potential conflict of interest.
Which companies does the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) apply to?
Core Knowledge pg.225
SOX is the US law that applies to all public companies with securites (shares, bonds, notes, debentures, etc) registered in the US.
What does the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) prohibit?
Core Knowledge pg.225
SOX provides guidance on the issue of auditor independence.
Where the trustee firm provides audit services of Securities and Exchange Commission registered entities, impacts the following services:
- bookkeeping or other services related to the accounting records or financial statements of the audit client;
- design and implementation of financial information systems;
- appraisal or valuation services;
- actuarial services;
- internal audit outsourcing;
- any management function;
- broker, dealer, investment advisor or investment banking;
- legal or other expert services; or
- any other services determined by the board to be barred.
What are the 3 basic principles of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002?
Core Knowledge pg.226
- An auditor cannot audit her own work.
- An auditor cannot function in the role of management; and,
- An auditor cannot serve in an advocacy role for her client.
Who can file a CCAA?
Core Knowledge pg 217
- A debtor company or affiliated companies
- Total claims are exceeding $5 Million
- Threshold debt claim of $1,000
- The company must be by admission, insolvent, be bankrupt, or committed an act of bankruptcy.
The BIA definition of “corporation” excludes which companies?
Core Knowledge pg.27
- Incorporated banks to which the Bank Act applies
- Savings banks
- Insurance companies
- Loan companies
- Railway companies
For what reason would the court refuse to grant a bankruptcy order?
Core Knowledge pg.34
- Not satisified with the proof of facts alleged in the application.
- Not satisfied with the service of the application.
- satisfied bythe debtor that they are able to pay their debts; or
- Satisfied that no order should be made for other sufficient cause.
What must a debtor file in court if they intend to dispute an application for a bankruptcy order?
Core Knowledge pg.35
- A notice setting out the statements in the application that they intend to dispute
- The grounds of their dispute
- Their address for service
- The debtor must also serve the applicant creditor with a copy of the notice at least 2 full days before the hearing.
What reasons may a creditor use for application for a Bankruptcy Order?
Core Knowledge pg.35
- To allow a trustee to review preferences and fraudulent transactions, when rights of action may be statute-barred.
- To prevent squandering or disipation of assets & to secured an equitable distribution of the debtor’s property.
- To ascertain the amount of losses for insurance and other reasons.
- To permit creditors to avail themselves of the provisions of the BIA that may enhance their positions by giving them certain priorities.
Describe “Security for Costs” in an application for a Bankruptcy Order.
Core Knowledge pg.36
- An applicant creditor who resides outside Canada may be ordered to secure the costs of the application.
- Proceedings may be Stayed until security (funding) is provided
- If a Bankruptcy Order is made, the costs will be taxed & paid from the bankruptcy estate, unless there are insufficient funds to pay the trustee’s fees & disbursements.
How does a person become bankrupt?
Core Knowledge pg?
- By Bankruptcy Order made by the court under petition of creditor(s).
- By Assignment onf an insolvent person who is:
a. not a bankrupt
b. resides, carries on business, or has assets in Canada
c. has liabilities that exceed $1,000
d. is either unable to meet their obligations as they become due, has ceased paying their current obligations, or their liabilities exceed the value of their assets. - Rejection of a Div I proposal
- Annulment of a Div II proposal that was made by a bankrupt
- After an NOI expires without filing a proposal.
What is required of the LIT when they are acting both as Trustee in a bankruptcy estate, and as agent or Receiver for a secured creditor?
Core Knowledge pg. 45
- Maintain a written record of the capacity & terms under which they operate on behalf of the secured creditor.
- Obtain an independent legal opinion confirming the validity & enforceability of the security instrument. Provide a copy of that legal opinion to the OSB within 2 days, upon request.
- Maintain adequate accounting records to segregate costs & activities.
Which assets are exempt from seizure in bankruptcy?
Core Knowledge pg.47
- property held in trust for others
- property that is exempt under provincial law in the province where the bankrupt resides AND the property is situated.
- GST payments that are not required for payment of Trustee’s fees.
- Certain prescribed payments relating to the essential needs of an individual
- RRSP, RRIF, RDSP contributions, except those made in the 12 months before bankruptcy.
- assets that are exempt from seizure by provincial legislation in the province where the debtor resides and the asset is located
What is the purpose of accquiring & inspecting the bankrupt’s books & records?
Core Knowledge pg.49
To Identify:
- undisclosed assets
- undisclosed liabilities, including deemed trust claims
- existence of unpaid goods delivered within 30 days of bankruptcy
- settlements or preferences
- payments of dividends or share redemptions when the debtor was insolvent
- other reviewable transactions that would result in further investigation
Prior to a First Meeting of Creditors, if necessary to protect the interests of the estate, the trustee can:
Core Knowledge pg.49
- Take conservatory measures and summarily dispose of property that is perishable or likely to decline in value rapidly.
- Carry on the business of the bankrupt until the FMC.
- Obtain legal advice & institute court proceedings for the recovery or protection of the property of the bankrupt.
Which initiatives help to co-ordinate international insolvencies and increase cross-border co-operation?
Core Knowledge pg.512
- The European Union Regulation on Insolvency Proceedings 2000
- The Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL)
- UNCITRAL’s Practice Guide on Cross Border Insolvency Co-operation
- UNCITRAL’s Legislative Guide on Insolvency Law, Part 3: Treatment of Enterprise Groups in Insolvency
- The EU Regulation came into force on May 31 2002 & is applicable throughout the EU
What circumstances may cause cross-border issues to arise?
Core Knowledge pg.511
- An entity has affiliates in other countries and the transactions between the affiliates are highly interdependent.
- An entity has assets and/or operations in other countries.
- Creditors are located in foreign jurisdictions.
How does UNCITRAL’s Model Law promote international co-operation in trans-border insolvency?
Core Knowledge pg.512
- By setting a framework for the courts to co-ordinate & co-operate with each other
- By limiting the scope of local bankruptcy proceedings when foreign proceedings have commenced
- By ggranting local relief to foreign representation
Summarize the key points of Directive 1R8: Counselling in Insolvency Matters
Directives & Circulars
- Guidance on BIA paragraphs 5(4)(b)&(c), and s157.1, and para 66.13(2)(b)
- The LIT is required to provide, or provide for counselling by the LIT or a registered Insolvency Counsellor
- A person is ineligible to be registered against an LIT license if they are a referral agent or involved with lending services like credit rebuilding or “proposal insurance.”
- Counselling shall be provided in-person, but can be provided by phone or video if chosen by a fully informed debtor.
- 1st session between days 10 and 90; 2nd session at least 30 days after 1st. If a Div I proposal is rejected, the 1st counselling must be compleeted within 10 days of FMC.
- Must include advice on: budgeting, acheiving financial goals, spending habits, responsible use of credit.
- Registration must be renewed each year & must prove 3.5 hours pro-D every 2 years.
Summarize the key points of Directive 2R: Joint Filing
Directives & Circulars
- Related BIA Sections: 66.12(1.1) & 155(f)
- Summary admin or CP files may be dealt with as one file if the files are substantially the same & the LIT is of the opinion that it is in the best interest of the debtors and creditors.
- Trustee’s remunerations & counselling fees are the same as if it were the filing of one individual.
- If bankrupt & converted to OA, estates will be split.
Summarize the key points of Directive 3: Duties of the Bankrupt to Deliver Credit Cards to the Trustee
Directives & Circulars
Related Sections: 5(4)(b)&(c), 158(9.1)
- In all circumstances, a bankrupt is required to deliver all credit cards, even if there is no balance outstanding.
- They are not required to deliver a credit card authorized to them by another borrower, but it must be noted in the Trustee’s file.
- Does not apply to consumer debtors that are under proposals.
Summarize the key points of Directive 4R: Delegation of Tasks
Directives & Circulars
- The Trustee remains responsible for ensuring that the administration is conducted in a professional & timely manner.
- Cannot delegate: accepting appointment, chairing CM for Div I/OA files, and in Div II or SA files where creditor or OR requests the LIT to Chair.
- Cannot delegate: Chairing Inspectors’ Meetings, when requested.
Cannot delegate: signing cheques
Cannot delegate: signing Forms 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 29, 34, 38, 40, 43.1, 46, 48, 51, 53, 54, 54.2, 77, 82, 83, 84 - Must ensure for adequate training & internal controls