moved for leave to introduce Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations).
Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to introduce a bill that would amend the Income Tax Act for labour organizations.
Labour organizations play a valuable role in society, representing and defending the rights of workers to health and safety on the job and ensuring that they have proper compensation for the work they do. As a result of the valuable role that they play, our government has provided substantial benefits through the Income Tax Act to support the work of labour organizations.
This bill would amend the Income Tax Act to require the public disclosure of labour organization finances. Public disclosure will help the public better understand how the benefits that are provided are being utilized. This is in line with the increased transparency we have introduced for government departments, agencies and native reserves. It is also in line with the public disclosure required of charities and political parties, which also receive substantial public benefits through the tax system.
I want to note that public disclosure is strongly supported by the Canadian public and by union workers themselves.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)