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Income taxes
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2013
Income taxes  
Income taxes

7. Income taxes

        Income tax benefit from continuing operations for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was $2.5 million. The difference between the actual tax benefit of $2.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2013 and the expected income tax expense of $1.1 million, based on the Canadian enacted statutory rate of 25%, is primarily due to $1.8 million related to operating projects in higher tax rates in various tax jurisdictions, $2.3 million in foreign exchange and $2.4 million in other permanent differences, partially offset by a $2.9 million change in the valuation allowance.

 
   Three months ended
March 31,		  
 
   2013   2012  

Current income tax expense

   $ 2.0   $ 1.4  

Deferred tax benefit

     (4.5 )   (18.3 )
           

Total income tax benefit

   $ (2.5 ) $ (16.9 )
           

        As of March 31, 2013, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $118.2 million. This amount is comprised primarily of provisions against available Canadian and U.S. net operating loss carryforwards. In assessing the recoverability of our deferred tax assets, we consider whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon projected future taxable income in the United States and in Canada and available tax planning strategies.