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Results: 401 - 484 of 484
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of our government, which has made cracking down on tax evasion and tax avoidance a priority.
If my colleague opposite needs tangible results, he need look no further than the $13 billion that we recovered last year, including $1.3 billion through the voluntary disclosures program. That, for me, is a tangible result. We have done a lot better than the previous government, which was never able to accomplish what we have.
Some hon. members: Oh, oh!
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for the opportunity to tell Canadians that our government is fully engaged in the battle against tax evasion and tax avoidance.
That is why, in the last budget, our government invested the record amount of $444 million. In the budget we just presented, $524 million were invested. With our plan we were able to collect $13 billion last year.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to respond to my colleagues across the way and remind them that last year we invested $444 million to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance. This year, we invested $524 million. We got a good return on our investment last year because we managed to recover $13 billion, including $1.3 billion through the voluntary disclosure program. We have a plan and we have the means. It is working and we have the numbers to prove it.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring that Canadians pay their fair share of taxes.
With respect to the small business tax deduction, I want to tell my colleague that we have not changed the tax rules. I would also like to remind my colleague opposite that when his party was in power consultations were held with parties from that sector and the rules were not changed.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is strongly committed to combatting tax evasion and avoidance. In budget 2016, our government allocated $444 million to combatting tax evasion. In this year's budget, we allocated $524 million. We recovered $13 billion last year, including $1 billion through the Canada Revenue Agency's voluntary disclosures program.
Let me be clear. Tax evaders can no longer hide. We take this issue very seriously, and those who choose to participate in this type of scheme will suffer the consequences.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, that is an important question.
Our government increased the basic amount and the additional residency amount used in the calculation of the northern residence tax deduction. That means that eligible taxpayers who live in a prescribed zone, such as Nunavut, are entitled to $22 a day, depending on their deduction calculation.
The agency has to audit a certain number of returns every year to ensure that the taxpayers are entitled to the claims they made. I can assure the House that no one category of taxpayer is targeted during the audit selection process. We make sure that every taxpayer is treated fairly by using fair and non-discriminatory criteria.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, small businesses play a vital role in Canada. We work with all small businesses. The rules have not changed and they apply to all small businesses.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I will repeat that small businesses play a vital role in Canada. I will repeat that the tax rules have not changed. These rules were brought in by the Conservatives. If the Conservatives thought that the rules were that bad, they had 10 years to change them.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, we know that middle-class Canadians pay their fair share of taxes, but some wealthy individuals participate in complex tax schemes to avoid paying their fair share. This is unacceptable. That is why the government has made historic investments in the Canada Revenue Agency, specifically, $444 million in 2016 and $524 million in 2017. Over the past year, our government has managed to recover $13 billion. We are working hard, we are living up to our commitments, and we will continue to do so.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to see that the party opposite is aligning its thinking with ours. In the last budget, which we have just tabled, we invested $524 million to continue to fight tax evasion and tax shelters. Last year, we got $13 billion with the $444 million we invested. We will continue with our work.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency has very strict post-employment policies for employees who leave positions with the Government of Canada.
When they leave their jobs, former CRA employees must meet strict requirements. Information disclosure is prohibited by law indefinitely. CRA employees could be subject to sanctions, including fines and prison time.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for giving me the opportunity to pass a message on to Canadians.
In last year's budget, our government invested a historic $444 million. Over the past year, that money has allowed us to recover $13 billion, which will be reinvested in health care, education, and infrastructure. We will keep working for Canadians, as we promised.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned earlier, our government is very proud to have announced in its last budget a $444-million investment that enabled us to look abroad for $13 billion, including $1 billion from voluntary disclosure programs.
We have hired 100 auditors. We work on four jurisdictions per year. We will continue what we started and we will see it through.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency has some of the most stringent post-employment rules in the entire Government of Canada.
When CRA employees leave their job, they must meet very strict conditions. Disclosing information is prohibited by law, indefinitely.
I would remind everyone that any employee or former employee of CRA who breaks those rules faces penalties and even criminal prosecution.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, it was thanks to the efforts of the Canada Revenue Agency that KPMG'S offshore tax avoidance schemes were discovered. My colleague knows full well that the KPMG case is active. We are currently in court and cannot divulge any information, as that would jeopardize our efforts.
I can assure the House that the CRA is conducting a preliminary investigation into the schemes in place in the Isle of Man. The work has begun and we will see it through, as promised during the election campaign.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am terribly pleased to be able to provide information to my colleague across the way. I can say that the agency is conducting a preliminary investigation into the offshore structures of the Isle of Man. Our investments of $444 million allowed us to hire 100 auditors last year. We managed to recover $13 billion last year. The work has begun, and we will see it through.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I will repeat the information for my colleague in the back who does not seem to understand the words I am speaking.
It is thanks to the efforts of the Canada Revenue Agency that KPMG's schemes were discovered abroad. The case is currently under way. Although we cannot provide any information, I can assure the House that we are continuing the work we said we would do during the last campaign. We will continue to do what we promised to Canadians.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, last year, in our first budget, we made a historic $444 million investment. Let me make this perfectly clear: I can assure the House that tax frauds can no longer hide. We are taking this matter very seriously, and those who choose to participate in such schemes will pay the price. Canadians expect nothing less from us.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, it was the Canada Revenue Agency that discovered KPMG's offshore tax avoidance scheme. My colleague knows very well that this is an active file and that the CRA's work is before the courts. Discussing the matter would compromise our efforts.
Since some of my colleagues seem to have a short memory, I would like to remind them that, last March, the matter was reviewed by an independent third party, which found that the CRA's actions were consistent with its policies and procedures and based on the facts.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is firmly committed to combatting tax evasion and tax avoidance and to ensuring that our tax system is fair for all Canadians.
Over the past year, our government has recovered $13 billion thanks to our commitment to combat tax evasion. The CRA has increased its capacity for intelligence gathering and now has access to a lot more information.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the tax rules are the same for everyone. I would like to point out that the offshore tax avoidance scheme set up by KPMG was discovered thanks to the efforts of the CRA.
Let me be clear: tax evaders can no longer hide. We take this issue very seriously, and those who choose to participate in tax schemes will face consequences for their actions. Canadians expect no less.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I want to point out, and my colleague knows full well, that the KPMG case is currently before the courts. We are continuing to take action against KPMG. The case is before the courts and we are going to see our measures through, as Canadians have asked us to. That is what we promised during the election campaign and that is exactly what we are going to do.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is very committed to the fight against tax evasion in order to ensure that our tax system is fair for all Canadians. Our government invested $444 million to crack down on tax havens.
I invite all Canadians who have any information in this regard to contact the Canada Revenue Agency through the informant leads program. The agency reviews all of the information submitted. I repeat: everybody must pay their fair share.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind Canadians that we are working with all our international partners to combat tax evasion, because it is a global problem.
Our government is firmly committed to preserving the fairness of our tax system, and everything we do is intended to ensure that all Canadians pay their fair share.
Last year's announcement of a historic $444-million investment proves just how important this is to our government.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, Canada's middle class and those working hard to join it pay their taxes and fund programs for all Canadians, but they have had enough of those taxpayers who do not pay their fair share.
We have invested $444 million in order to prevent tax evasion and tax avoidance. We are working very hard. Before long, I will have the great pleasure to give my colleague opposite some good news.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes. We will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada because we recognize the critical role they play in our economy. I want to point out that we have not changed the tax rules and that the same provisions on source of income still apply.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I will repeat my answer for my colleague opposite who seems to have misunderstood.
Our government will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada because we recognize the critical role they play in our economy. I want to point out that we have not changed the tax rules and that the same rules and the same provisions on source of income still apply.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the situation my colleague raised is troubling.
I discussed this matter today with my colleague, the Minister of Public Services and Procurement. It is important to note that Public Services and Procurement Canada is responsible for the agency's real estate and leasing needs. The agency does not deal directly with the owners of the buildings it leases.
However, I can assure the House that our government will continue to take action to ensure that all Canadians pay their fair share. That is at the core of my mandate, and I will not give up.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Auditor General for his report and I would like to say that the Canada Revenue Agency accepts the eight recommendations he proposed.
Canadians must have access to outstanding service when they contact the agency. That is a key point in my mandate letter. I made a commitment to do everything possible to provide outstanding service.
It is important to point out that an action plan to reduce processing times for objections is already being drawn up. It will be completed in early 2017.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Mississauga—Lakeshore for his important question.
Our government is more committed than ever to combatting tax evasion because we understand that all Canadians need to pay their fair share of taxes.
The $444-million investment has made it possible to implement a jurisdiction-based approach. We are examining four jurisdictions per year. We started with the Isle of Man. We are now working on Guernsey. We are looking at transactions of over $7 billion. That is just the beginning. Other jurisdictions will follow.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government has stopped reducing staff at regional tax centres.
We have reorganized our operations to ensure that we provide outstanding service and well-paid jobs for the middle class. Canadians are using online services in ever greater numbers, and we understand that the Canada Revenue Agency must modernize how it meets their needs.
Our government is committed to ensuring that Canadians across the country have access to the best possible services when they contact the Canada Revenue Agency.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, today's announcement confirms that the Canada Revenue Agency will hire more staff in addition to ensuring a strong regional presence across Canada. We will continue to work with unions and local stakeholders and assist them through this transition.
Canadians expect the agency to make informed decisions and good investments in order to provide world-class services.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, my colleague across the aisle is well aware that there have been meetings with the members concerned. I would suggest that he talk to his colleague, the member for Jonquière, who congratulated us on what we did.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, middle-class Canadians who pay their fair share have every right to be upset when wealthy taxpayers use sophisticated schemes to avoid their tax obligations.
The Government of Canada invested an unprecedented $444 million to counter what is happening offshore. We have agreements in place, our officials are working on this, and we are going to keep our promises.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, our government is committed to ensuring that all Canadians pay their fair share.
We will continue to support small and medium-sized enterprises across Canada because we recognize the critical role they play in our economy. I want to point out that we have not changed the tax rules and that the same provisions on source of income still apply.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency analyzes every situation on a case-by-case basis by verifying eligibility and the small business deduction and it will continue to do so.
We are consulting our partners and the government has not proposed any changes to the current rules. We will continue to work with small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada to ensure that they understand the tax rules that apply to them.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, I am very surprised by the comments of my colleague opposite when we know that, in 2011, the Conservative Party made changes to employment insurance and was prepared to shut down the Atlantic and Gaspé regions and merge them with other areas.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, with regard to the Canada Revenue Agency's services, I can say that, with the historic $444-million investment, we have put all of the necessary measures in place to deal with people who do not pay their fair share of taxes, and we are going to keep our promise.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Madam Speaker, middle-class Canadians have a right to be upset about the fact that some companies are not paying their fair share of taxes and wealthy taxpayers are evading their obligations. We have invested a historic amount of $444 million precisely to continue putting all the necessary measures in place to ensure that people pay their fair share of taxes and that Canadians are happy with their government.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Châteauguay—Lacolle for her question.
Canadians engaging in tax avoidance is unacceptable. Our government has redoubled its efforts to stop them. Over the past year, the Canada Revenue Agency has conducted real estate audits in British Columbia and Ontario and collected $240 million in unpaid taxes and over $12 million in penalties.
I can also report that the agency stepped up its efforts in the Vancouver area. We now have 70 auditors looking into real estate transactions in British Columbia and Ontario.
Our government is working hard to defend the interests of middle-class Canadians—
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency is currently working with tourism businesses and we will continue to enforce the law.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government understands that charitable organizations play a key role in our society, and I am committed to being responsive to the needs of this sector. Therefore, I am proud to have announced the official launch of our consultations to clarify charitable organizations' involvement in political activities.
Our government knows that it must work with this sector. That is what we promised, and that is what we will do.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government understands that middle-class Canadians are paying their fair share and that some wealthy taxpayers are evading their obligations. This must stop.
The Panama Papers issue has a global reach. In April, I instructed officials to provide me with a complete list of the Canadian taxpayers who are implicated in this. I can announce that the agency is currently conducting over 2,500 audits and that it has identified 85 taxpayers who will be subject to further review. We will continue to work on this.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, let me be very clear. Middle-class Canadians are paying their fair share, but a few taxpayers are finding ways to avoid paying what they owe, and that is unacceptable. That is why our government invested $444 million to give the CRA the best tools to combat tax evasion.
That is what we promised and that is what we will do.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is committed to fighting tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance and making sure that we have a system that is fair for all Canadians.
Let me be very clear. Most middle-class Canadians pay their fair share of taxes, but a few wealthy individuals are not doing the same, and that must stop. That is why our government invested $444 million to give the CRA the best tools to combat tax evasion.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government is working with our international partners to address this threat, and that co-operation will continue.
We will continue to gather and share more and more data. The Canada Revenue Agency is processing the information coming out of the Bahamas in co-operation with its partners and through court orders, as needed.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my colleague from Laurentides—Labelle for his important question.
The Agency is sensitive to situations involving fraud. In this type of situation, the Agency usually sets up special teams to centralize the cases and ensure fair and equitable treatment. Therefore, I encourage the taxpayers affected to contact and work with the Agency.
We will work with the individuals involved to solve their problems as information comes to light. We are following this situation very closely.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the agency is investigating taxpayers who participated in KPMG's schemes. Our massive investment will help us stop the people who promote such schemes.
As my colleague knows, complex cases before the courts can encounter delays, particularly to allow time to produce evidence. The agency is doing everything it can to ensure that the case is dealt with in a timely manner.
Our government is committed to preserving the integrity of the tax system. I cannot say it enough, but the net is tightening.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the agency is currently before the courts to obtain the list of participants in KPMG's schemes. I would caution my colleague to be careful.
Budget 2016 provides the agency with the means to combat tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. As Minister of National Revenue, that is my priority and that of my government. All Canadians must respect their obligations. That is what we are working toward.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government firmly believes that all Canadians need to pay their fair share. The CRA is currently investigating the taxpayers identified in the KPMG schemes.
This matter is before the courts, so I would caution my colleague. I want to reassure all Canadians that no one can shirk their obligations.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, middle-class Canadians pay their share of taxes, but some wealthy individuals are avoiding paying their fair share. That is unacceptable and it must change.
CRA is investigating the taxpayers identified in the KPMG schemes, and the massive investment in our latest budget will help stop the organizations that create and promote such schemes for the rich.
This matter is before the courts, so I would caution the member. I want to reassure all Canadians that no one can shirk their obligations.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would remind my colleague opposite that the KPMG schemes were denounced by the Canada Revenue Agency.
Our government is committed to fighting tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. We are keeping this promise through our historic $444-million investment.
We are committed to developing a fairer tax system for Canadians. That is what we promised we would do, and that is what we are doing.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
moved that the bill be concurred in.
The Speaker: Is it the pleasure of the House to adopt the motion?
Some hon. members: Agreed.
An hon. member: On division.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I want Canadians to know that all allegations of misconduct on the part of agency employees are taken very seriously and are systematically investigated.
My colleague across the aisle knows very well that I cannot comment on any matter that is currently under police investigation. However, all agency employees are expected to adhere to a rigorous code of integrity and professional conduct at all times.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes how important it is to combat tax evasion and international tax avoidance, as indicated in our election platform and my mandate letter.
Regarding the Panama papers in particular, I instructed my officials to get the list. We now have it. This is a problem of global proportions. We are taking a close look at all the data we have today and will do the same with the data still to come.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, in my response to a question from the member for New Westminster—Burnaby on May 9, 2016, my remarks may have been inadvertently inaccurate. I would like to correct them.
In my original response I was referring to legal procedures and ongoing civil court actions launched by the Canada Revenue Agency relating to the KPMG case.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, middle-class Canadians pay their fair share of taxes, but certain wealthy individuals are not doing the same. What I want to tell my colleague opposite is that criminal proceedings are underway and it is not right to misinform the public.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, in its election platform, our government promised to crack down on tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance. These cases are currently underway, so I do not know what my colleague does not understand.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question.
The safety and well-being of the people affected by the forest fires in Alberta are our top priority.
That is why the CRA immediately stopped all collections and all audit activities, cancelled all penalties and interest for those who are unable to file their tax returns or pay amounts owing. It is working with Canada Post to ensure that taxpayers expecting a tax refund or a benefit payment have secure access to their mail.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to respond to my colleague. Over the past 20 years, they completely destroyed the economy in remote regions like the Gaspé. I am very pleased that the 40 MPs from Quebec will work for Canada to represent the regions and develop Canada's economy.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes that international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance are critical issues.
With regard to the Panama papers, I asked employees in my department to obtain the list of Canadian taxpayers, and I am pleased to inform the House that that information is now in the agency's hands. This is a worldwide issue and Canada is working with the international community.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, yes, enough is enough. Middle-class Canadians pay their taxes, but some wealthy individuals avoid paying their fair share. That is not acceptable and it must change.
Our government is committed to fighting tax evasion and tax avoidance. We have given the agency a record budget of $444 million so that it can work on this file.
I will have the privilege of presenting our government's commitments to my colleagues on the Standing Committee on Finance on May 19. I would like to reassure all Canadians that no one is immune from—
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the agency is currently investigating the taxpayers identified in the KPMG schemes. The massive investment in our latest budget will help stop the organizations that create such schemes for the rich and that promote them.
I repeat that I have asked officials in my department to obtain the list of Canadian taxpayers. I am pleased to inform the House that the agency is now in possession of this information.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the Canada Revenue Agency's budget for 2016 is unprecedented and historic: $444 million. That investment will enable the agency to improve its client service, support the government's efforts to fight tax evasion and tax avoidance, and improve the agency's ability to collect outstanding tax debts.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, my NDP colleague is choosing to doubt the professionalism of public servants. He should listen to his colleague from Jonquière, who had this to say in the House yesterday:
I am proud of Canada's public servants, the services they provide, and their professionalism.
I trust the agency employees to conduct themselves professionally. They are expected to adhere to the code of integrity and professional conduct. Every invitation they receive must be assessed in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I want to remind Canadians that our government is a government of transparency and openness.
As far as my colleague's allegations are concerned, I will be very clear. The event was organized by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, a professional association. Most of our employees who work in accounting and auditing belong to that association.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the CRA has worked with Canada before. The CRA will continue to work with all stakeholders, including CPA Canada. The CRA meets with its partners to promote its activities and interests and compliance with tax law.
The public servants who were in charge of the KPMG file and made recommendations on it did not attend the receptions hosted by CPA Canada in 2014 and 2015.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to repeat, for my colleague's benefit, that the event was organized by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada, a professional association. Most of the CRA employees who work in accounting and auditing belong to that association.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, if I am always repeating myself, it is because my colleague opposite does not seem to be able to understand the correct answers.
The Canada Revenue Agency was allocated an unprecedented budget of $444 million to work on combatting tax evasion and tax avoidance. That is what we promised Canadians and that is what we are going to do this year.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, it is clear that the situation described by my colleague from Saint Boniface is unfair and unacceptable. Indeed, this must change. On Monday, I announced historic investments of $444.4 million. As I intend to explain to the finance committee, these tools will help improve detection, investigations, and audits and will also make it possible to prosecute those who engage in tax evasion and organizations that create such schemes. The net is tightening.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I would like to reassure the House.
All Canadian taxpayers are treated fairly. Regardless of income, our $440-million announcement in the latest budget is proof of that. I would like to be clear about KPMG. The fact is that the Canada Revenue Agency exposed the scheme. The agency audited taxpayers and took legal action. Yesterday's announcement confirms our commitment to preventing entities from promoting such schemes.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, Canadians have a right to be outraged. Our government recognizes that international tax evasion and aggressive tax avoidance are critical issues. We are taking meaningful action. The government has allocated more than $444 million to the CRA, to combat tax evasion and tax havens.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, there have long been post-employment restrictions at the Canada Revenue Agency for executives who leave the organization. In March 2014, the post-employment restrictions were extended to all employees who leave the Canada Revenue Agency. It would be inappropriate to comment on a specific case for reasons of privacy. Hon. members can rest assured that we are following this situation at the CRA very closely.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, today I made an unprecedented announcement about combatting tax evasion and international tax avoidance.
The vast majority of middle-class Canadians pay their fair share of taxes, but some wealthy Canadians are hiding their money in foreign tax havens to avoid paying taxes. That is not fair and it must change.
Thanks to our historic $444 million investment, wealthy Canadians will be required to pay their share of taxes.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government takes privacy very seriously. We will continue to work with the United States to ensure that all security safeguards are being followed.
We remind members that our countries have a long tradition of responsible fiscal co-operation dating back to 1942. I assure all Canadians that any exchange of information with the United States is done in compliance with privacy laws.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, there is only one set of rules, as I said.
The CRA exposed the scheme. It audited taxpayers and has taken legal action. The CRA's work is not done.
I encourage all of my colleagues to be prudent and avoid jumping to conclusions.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the CRA is actively pursuing its work on this matter, which is still under investigation and has not yet been resolved. I would like to be clear: there is no amnesty and there is only one set of rules.
What is the reality? The CRA exposed the scheme and has been conducting taxpayer audits. The CRA has taken legal action.
I would therefore like to reassure the House that all Canadian taxpayers are treated equally regardless of their income.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, the CRA is taking action in every possible case where tax rules were broken, regardless of the income of the people involved.
Last year, the CRA was able to recover $11.5 billion. Our government is committed to protecting the integrity of the Canadian tax system. We will fight aggressively against tax evasion and tax avoidance.
That is what I am working on today, and that is what was stipulated in my mandate letter.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to repeat the answer I gave earlier, which my colleague did not understand. There is no amnesty and there is only one set of rules.
The CRA exposed the scheme and has been conducting taxpayer audits. The CRA has taken legal action. This matter is still under investigation and has not yet been resolved.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, I was pleased to announce improvements to Canada Revenue Agency correspondence to make tax information simpler and easier to understand. The content has been streamlined to include only the information most important to the taxpayer.
We will continue to consult with Canadians and draw on best practices to make sure our service improvements truly meet Canadians' needs.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for this important question.
I am pleased to announce that yesterday I signed a joint declaration with Switzerland expressing the intent of the two countries to engage in the automatic exchange of financial account information. The information received will improve Canada's ability to detect and address cases of tax evasion, ensure tax compliance, and protect the integrity of Canada's tax system.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, our government recognizes the essential role of charities in society and their contribution to politics and public debate.
The independence of the Canada Revenue Agency in its watchdog role is a fundamental principle that must be protected. That is why, as Minister of National Revenue, I will not play a role in selecting the audits to be done or making decisions about the results of those audits.
View Diane Lebouthillier Profile
Lib. (QC)
Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the voters of Gaspésie—Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, who have placed their trust in me to represent them.
I thank my colleague from Northwest Territories for the question.
During the election we campaigned on increasing the deduction for northern residents. It is a priority. Canada's north and the people who live there can count on our government to help families living in remote areas contribute to the economy and benefit from Canada's economic growth.
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