[Verse 1] In Canada Trustco's shadow, three pillars stand so true Textual reads the statute's words, what Parliament wrote through Contextual seeks the bigger frame, provisions intertwined Purposive asks what goal they sought, the legislative mind [Chorus] Text, context, purpose - three keys unlock the code Form meets substance on this winding legal road When GAAR comes knocking at your planning door Section 245 says "not anymore" Courts climb the ladder, Tax to Federal high Supreme Court's final word beneath the maple sky [Verse 2] Duke of Westminster once declared that form would always win But Canadian law evolved beyond where we begin Substance penetrates the veil of artificial schemes When transactions lack commercial sense beyond tax dreams [Chorus] Text, context, purpose - three keys unlock the code Form meets substance on this winding legal road When GAAR comes knocking at your planning door Section 245 says "not anymore" Courts climb the ladder, Tax to Federal high Supreme Court's final word beneath the maple sky [Bridge] Tax Court judges hear your case, first level of appeal Federal Court examines law, ensures the outcome's real Supreme Court's nine justices, final arbiters reign Setting precedents that bind from coast to coast again [Verse 3] Misuse and abuse, the GAAR test unfolds in stages three Primary purpose, object spirit, reasonableness decree Avoidance transactions crumble when they cross the line Between legitimate planning and schemes that undermine [Outro] Three approaches guide us through the statutory maze Form and substance dance together in these modern days From lowest court to highest bench, justice finds its way In Canadian tax interpretation's evolving play
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