Finance Committee on Dec. 7th, 2021

[Julie Dzerowicz, Liberal, Davenport, ON]

Thank you so much.

I just want to address two key things that I think keep coming up. The first is that we started the session with $7 billion and where it's coming from. I was really pleased when it was pointed out by my colleagues that it has come from the consolidated revenue fund. I think Mr. McGowan also pointed that out.

Just for those who might be listening, I hate it when we're asking questions and it seems as though officials are taking time to respond. I think it's important to just point out that we have officials who are here to address specific elements of Bill C-2, and I want anyone who might be listening to know that there will be an opportunity to answer the questions around the $7 billion in a couple of days or in upcoming testimony from other witnesses.

I also want to address the issue of fraudulent activity or criminal activity taking advantage of some of our emergency programs. We do know that CERB has implemented both front-end safeguards and back-end verification measures to make sure not only that we are getting these emergency payments out quickly throughout this whole pandemic but also that we are ensuring that cases of fraud or deliberate misrepresentation are identified. I'd even say and just remind everyone that in our fall economic statement in 2020 we did actually provide additional resources and measures that would allow CRA to continue to improve their investigations and their verification measures.

I'll also indicate that in August 2020 the Government of Canada issued a statement indicating that the CRA and other departments had been targets of cyber-attacks. All of these investigations were directed to the RCMP, which has been helpful in investigating some of the suspected activity as well as any suspected frauds relating to the emergency relief benefit.

I just don't want to leave the impression with anyone who might be listening or anyone in this room that there has not been aggressive activity on the part of the CRA to make sure that the emergency supports continue to get to where they are supposed to go or that, if there is any suspicious or fraudulent activity, it is not being acted upon.

In the remaining time I have, which is about a minute and a half, whether it's on section one or section two, whether it's Ms. Demers or Mr. Baylor, I wonder if you can explain to what extent the programs, particularly the ones that we are proposing, have pivoted to respond to the public health situation. If each of you could respond on that for 30 seconds, I'd be grateful.

[Maximilian Baylor]

I can certainly start with part 1.

That was very much the intent of the most recent programs, to go from the broad CERB and rent subsidy programs to more targeted programs that are really more centred, at this stage of the pandemic as we move forward and we start the recovery from the pandemic, on those industries and businesses that have been and continue to be hardest hit. That was very much a part of the policy.

I'll turn it over to Ms. Demers for part 2. Thank you.

[Catherine Demers]

Thank you.

The reasons are very similar. It's really to be responsive to public health reasons that the proposed introduction of the lockdown benefit and adjustments to the sickness benefit and caregiving benefit are being put forward in this bill. It's to adjust to the situation, the uncertainty of the pandemic and the fact that there is still the possibility of public health restrictions that may impact workers for a period of time. We're trying to ensure that would be covered through these measures.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

Thank you.

That's going to conclude our third round and also this session. I want to thank the officials on behalf of all the members of the committee, although you will be back with us in a short two and a half hours. We look forward to seeing you again and being able to ask you further questions.

Thank you very much. We're going to adjourn this meeting.