Christopher C. Canada

Chris has focused his practice on public finance law since graduating from law school in 2001. He frequently acts as counsel to industrial development agencies (IDAs), local development corporations (LDCs) and other public authorities throughout New York State. Chris counsels IDAs on commercial, manufacturing and renewal energy projects in connection with the granting of financial assistance from IDAs, including exemptions from sales and use taxes, mortgage recording tax and real property taxes through PILOT Agreements.  He routinely advises IDAs and LDCs on compliance with the requirements of the Public Authorities Accountability Act of 2005 (PAAA) and the Public Authorities Reform Act of 2009 (PARA), as well as the General Municipal Law and the Public Authorities Law in general, including assisting with inquiries from the New York State Authorities Budget Office (ABO) and the New York State Comptroller.

Chris has extensive experience acting as bond counsel to LDC, IDAs and other public authorities across New York State on tax-exempt and taxable revenue bond financings for the benefit of colleges and universities, charter schools, retirement communities, hospitals and other 501(c)(3) organizations in public offerings, limited offerings and direct purchases. He also has significant experience acting as bond counsel in tax-exempt lease programs (TELP) and multifamily housing bond transactions under Section 142 of the Code. His practice includes a strong focus on the federal tax laws and regulations pertaining to tax-exempt bonds, with particular emphasis on arbitrage, private use questions and post-issuance compliance. Chris also has assisted qualified 501(c)(3) bond issuers on audits by the IRS relating to tax-exempt bond issuances.

Chris also represents colleges, universities, hospitals, health systems and other 501(c)(3) organizations in connection with tax-exempt bond issuances, including the implementation of obligated group borrowings through master trust indentures.   

Chris frequently advises issuers and 501(c)(3) organizations on matters relating to continuing disclosure requirements under SEC Rule 15c2-12 and the federal securities laws. He has acted as underwriter's counsel throughout his career in tax-exempt and taxable bond offerings for projects in numerous states. Chris frequently acts as bond counsel for municipalities and school districts throughout New York State in connection with the issuance of general obligation debt.

Prior to joining Hodgson Russ, Chris was a member (partner) with Bond, Schoeneck & King, PLLC in Syracuse, New York and a senior associate with McKennon, Shelton & Henn LLP in Baltimore, Maryland.

• Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Economic Development Law, Public Finance Law) 2023 - 2024
• Former Senior Editor, Case Western Reserve University School of Law Health Matrix: Journal of Law-Medicine

• National Association of Bond Lawyers

• New York State Government Finance Officers Association

• New York State Association of School Business Officials

• New York State Economic Development Council

• Albany County Bar Association

• Saratoga County Bar Association

• Albany Symphony Board Member