Hi,

Different Canadian Expats will tell you a different answer. I have had this argument wiht many a friend. I filled in a form to declare non-residency. Friends i know did not do that, they just left and don't file taxes. My understadnign is that GENERALLY, it comes down to intent. If you leave intending to come back, ie have a leave of absence from your job, etc then they can ding you. I think you would be best to research this with a tax lawyer or at the very least a financial advisor who specializes in expats such as the recommendation above.I ahve a finiacial advisor from out west. He works wiht Canadian Investment Consultants. Their website is www.cic88.com. His name is Pervez Patel.

I see oyu are a journalist. Are you working wiht Al Jazeera????