Evidence of meeting #72 for International Trade in the 44th Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament’s site, as are the minutes.) The winning word was information.
A recording is available from Parliament.
Director General, Business Returns Directorate; Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch, Canada Revenue Agency
Absolutely. It will take a little longer to file their return the very first time, but, as they file more and more returns—unless the information contained in the form substantively changes—it becomes a lot easier.
Liberal
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
Again, based on the number of filings or the number of properties owned in the Niagara Lake area, when I do the math—a back-of-the-envelope calculation—there may be around 50 or 100 people who may get affected. Obviously, you'll provide us with the information on the various regions—how many people had to file, etc. The assumption that this is a major thing that affects U.S. property owners in Canada is actually wrong, in my view.
What do you say?
Director General, Business Returns Directorate; Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch, Canada Revenue Agency
You're entitled to your views, member. I cannot speak to that.
Liberal
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
I'm sorry. I will back up.
The number of U.S. citizens who are being affected by this being a law...though the case of the snowbirds also getting affected by competing legislation, I think, would also be a matter of law.
Coming back quickly, are you finding any problems in enforcing this tax?
Director General, Business Returns Directorate; Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch, Canada Revenue Agency
We haven't really gone to the enforcement phase just yet, Madam Chair, because, as you know, we have until October 31 before individuals have to pay a penalty or interest.
Liberal
Chandra Arya Liberal Nepean, ON
One possible solution.... I don't know. I'm just thinking aloud here. What if we grandfather the properties owned by individuals for more than 10 years? They also would be exempted in the next round. I don't know if something like that is possible or enforceable.
Director General, Business Returns Directorate; Assessment, Benefit and Service Branch, Canada Revenue Agency
I cannot speak to that.
Special Advisor to the Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency, Canada Revenue Agency
That would be a consideration that would require a legislative change on the part of the Department of Finance, so we'd leave it to them.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you very much.
Thank you to our witnesses. I realize that you're the folks who have to implement what someone else does. It was not easy, but I thank you very much for being here. It is much appreciated. It's additional information.
Thank you very much to our analysts.
This is the last meeting we're having this session. We're not going to have a meeting on Thursday. I just thought I'd make that clear.
Thank you to our clerk.
I think you did a superb job, Madam Clerk.
Liberal
The Chair Liberal Judy Sgro
Thank you very much.
To all our folks who made it all work, thank you, especially to all of those who came in fresh this morning. We appreciated your help.
The meeting is adjourned.