Last night, at a gala dinner and presentation, the Canadian Advanced Technology Alliance (CATA) honoured Ottawa partner Tom Houston with an Advocacy Leadership Award. As its inaugural recipient, Tom was recognized for his efforts which helped lead to the removal, in 2010, from the Canada Income Tax Act, of a Section 116 withholding tax previously required on the sales of technology companies which had adversely affected investments by US and other foreign venture capital firms in Canadian technology companies.

“This distinction is a true reflection of Tom’s superior legal capability and outstanding leadership in the advanced technology sector,” said David Little, Managing Partner of the Ottawa office. ”He is a trusted and highly-respected advisor to a diverse roster of significant clients and, as many of our clients have expressed, has been instrumental in the success of their transactions. We are proud of Tom on this well-deserved distinction.”

As a partner in one of the strongest venture technology practices in Canada, Tom, together with Dentons partner, Andrea Johnson, assisted on an advocacy campaign by CATA to introduce crowdfunding exemptions to Canadian securities legislation.

Congratulations to Tom for receiving this prestigious award and for his dedication to giving back to the community.