From 1972 to 1977, Gérard Coulombe acted as special advisor to the Minister of Finance of Canada. In that capacity, he was responsible for negotiating agreements to avoid double taxation between Canada and more than 40 countries and was Canada's representative on Working Party No. 1 of the Committee on Fiscal Affairs of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.
Since 1977, Mr. Coulombe has carried on a general practice in business and commercial law and, in particular, has focused on matters involving financial institutions and Crown corporations as well as the formation of financial and industrial conglomerates.
In his work, Mr. Coulombe contributes the insight derived from his wide-ranging experience in international taxation. Given his experience providing counsel to corporations, his advice is often requested regarding matters of corporate governance.
The Canadian Lexpert Directory lists Mr. Coulombe as a leading practitioner in four areas, namely banking matters, corporate financing and securities, corporate and commercial law and, lastly, mergers and acquisitions.
The Best Lawyers in Canada directory recognizes Mr. Coulombe as one of the best lawyers in corporate law. He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1992.
Professional and community activities
· Member of the boards of directors of several corporations, including National Bank of Canada, National Bank Life Insurance Company and National Bank Trust Inc., and of Cominar Real Estate Investment Trust, CH Group Inc. and Club de Hockey Canadien, Inc.
· Vice-Chairman of the board of directors of the Canadian International Organ Competition (since 2007)
· Chairman of the board of directors of the I Musici Montreal Chamber Orchestra (2005-2010)
· Member of the ethics committee of the Québec Bar (since 2003)
· Governor of the Canadian Tax Foundation (1983-1987)
· Member of the board of directors of the Quebec section of the Fiscal and Financial Planning Association (1983-1987)
· Member of the board of directors of the Canadian section of the International Fiscal Association (1981-1989)
Professional Affiliations
· Canadian Bar Association
· Canadian Tax Foundation
· International Fiscal Association (Canadian section)
· Fiscal and Financial Planning Association (Quebec)