7. Income taxes


	Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Current income tax expense	$	1.4	$	0.3	$	2.3	$	1.8
Deferred income benefit		(23.7)		(18.7)		(24.9)		(18.6)
Total income tax benefit, net	$	(22.3)	$	(18.4)	$	(22.6)	$	(16.8)

For the three and six months ended June 30, 2017 and 2016

Income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2017 was $22.3 million. Expected income tax benefit for the same period, based on the Canadian enacted statutory rate of 26% was $11.0 million. The primary items impacting the tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2017 were $0.2 million relating to return to provision adjustments. These items were offset by $8.4 million relating to operating in higher tax rate jurisdictions, $2.6 million related to a net decrease to the Company's valuation allowances in Canada due to income and $0.6 million relating to foreign exchange.

Income tax benefit for the three months ended June 30, 2016 was $18.4 million. Expected income tax benefit for the same period, based on the Canadian enacted statutory rate of 26% was $9.0 million. The primary items impacting the tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2016 were $4.6 million related to capital gain on intercompany notes, $2.6 million related to foreign exchange, $1.8 million relating to a change in the valuation allowance and $0.4 million of other permanent differences. These items were offset by $18.8 million related to capital loss recognized on tax restructuring.

Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $22.6 million. Expected income tax benefit for the same period, based on the Canadian enacted statutory rate of 26% was $11.2 million. The primary items impacting the tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2017 were $0.3 million relating to return to provision adjustments. These items were offset by $8.7 million relating to operating in higher tax rate jurisdictions, $1.9 million related to a net decrease to the Company's valuation allowances in Canada due to income, $1.0 million relating to foreign exchange and $0.1 million of other permanent differences.

Income tax benefit for the six months ended June 30, 2016 was $16.8 million. Expected income tax benefit for the same period, based on the Canadian enacted statutory rate of 26%, was $12.0 million. The primary items impacting the tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2016 were $5.1 million relating to foreign exchange, $4.6 million relating to a change in the valuation allowance, $4.2 million related to capital gain on intercompany notes and $0.1 million of other permanent differences. These items were offset by $18.8 million related to capital loss recognized on tax restructuring.

As of June 30, 2017, we have recorded a valuation allowance of $184.1 million. The amount is comprised primarily of provisions against 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.