Donate Bell Shares

As Bell Canada Enterprises (BCE) heads toward privatization, shareholders could be in the position to make a significant investment while helping Ecojustice fight to protect our natural treasures.

BCE stock is one of the most widely held in the country and many Canadians have held these shares for years. Upon selling, holders will likely benefit from a significant capital gain (increase in the value of the shares since purchase), but will also face significant tax liabilities as 50 per cent of the gain becomes part of your taxable income for the year. 

As a result of the execution of the BCE Final Agreement on July 4, 2008, the purchase price will remain at $42.75 per BCE common share; and, the closing will occur on or before December 11, 2008.  This means that shareholders will receive $42.75 per share on or before December 11.

A powerful way to avoid capital gains taxes is to donate shares directly to Ecojustice (formerly Sierra Legal) and receive a tax receipt for the full market value of the shares.  You will also be making a big difference for the environment.  With your investment in Ecojustice, you will be helping us affect change through the courts, protect Canada’s environment at a time when our land and our species are faced with massive threats of industrial development and governments who are not abiding by their own laws to protect people animals at risk, and their habitats.

Also, changes to the Income Tax Act in 2006 mean that you do not pay any capital gains tax when publicly traded securities are donated to a registered charity such as Ecojustice.

For further information on how you can save capital gains tax on your Bell stock and help the environment, please contact Sheri Urquhart, Major Gifts Manager, at 604-685-5618 x 249 or email Sheri at surquhart@ecojustice.ca