Mr. Speaker, millions of Canadians have just completed their income tax returns for yet another year. Every year families and individuals go through the tortuous process of calculating and completing their returns in a diligent and timely manner. The process has become so complex that millions are now frustrated by the exercise.
Recently I received a call from a retired constituent who has become so frustrated that he has finally had to enlist the help of a tax professional to prepare his return.
This practice is far from unique. Increasing numbers of Canadians seek outside assistance as they battle the ever increasing complexities of our national revenue labyrinth.
Why should taxpayers, already at the limit of their tax tolerance, have to pay additional moneys for assistance in filing their tax returns?
There is an urgent need to simplify the tax system. Reform's flat tax would do just that. It is fair, efficient, equitable, and would greatly ease the burden of the long suffering taxpayers of Canada.