Mr. Speaker, there is a tradition in established governments. They have a basic assumption that they have the divine right to govern. But there is an inherent arrogance that we know best. Therefore, when particular mechanisms are put in place for self-correcting accountability they do not like it.
I bring the example of one very exasperated taxpayer. He writes: “How can Revenue Canada in good conscience require under their present rules, put me in a position that they require that I remit to them an amount greater than my earnings? This may be a regulation under the tax instalment remittance requirements, however, being put in this position is grossly unfair”.
He got a thank you letter from Revenue Canada and a brochure and was told to go away. Where is this fellow to go?
The bill of rights and the office that we are suggesting be created is not a new tax court to argue over the content and the rulings, it is to ensure that the rules are followed, that there is basic fairness and that a taxpayer is going to be treated with some basic respect. Also, there will be simplicity in the rules so that the public can learn to understand the information that is given to them.
We have listed a number of general areas that would provide a feedback mechanism for this large bureaucracy to make it accountable to the average Canadian. That is what the government needs to follow. It needs to listen to the people and respond to that agenda.