House of Commons Hansard #27 of the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was ndp.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, we are talking about some really important legislation. The sound and fury of the past two hours may obscure the fact that we all agree this is legislation—
Larry Maguire Conservative Brandon—Souris, MB
Madam Chair, let me be clear. Could she table her mandate letter?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, what I can table is great legislation to keep our businesses going through the second wave.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, I have not had the opportunity, but I would like to congratulate the minister on being the first female finance minister. I would also note that in tonight's debate we are being led by a female Speaker and a Conservative deputy House leader who is a woman. Given the impact that the pandemic has had on women, that is great and it is fitting.
I will move on to my question. We have seen through these programs that some audits are causing undue burden to Canadian business owners who are just trying to get through. Will the minister commit to pausing those audits?
Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Madam Chair, this coronavirus pandemic has given me a renewed appreciation of the hard work and the value of CRA. This is the agency that has been able to deliver support to literally millions of Canadians. I am grateful to the people—
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, is that a yes or a no?
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, yes or no, will the minister commit to pausing the audits on small business owners?
Diane Lebouthillier LiberalMinister of National Revenue
Madam Chair, the Canada Revenue Agency is an independent agency, and much like our government respects the political independence of the RCMP, we also respect the independence of the CRA. I know that my Conservative colleague—
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, on a point of order, the interpretation was not working, and I am expecting my time to reflect that.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, will the government direct the CRA to pause auditing on the rent subsidy and wage subsidy?
Diane Lebouthillier Liberal Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Madam Chair, the Canada Revenue Agency is an independent agency, and much like our government respects the political independence of the RCMP, we also respect the independence of the CRA.
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
The hon. member for Northumberland—Peterborough South. I am not sure if there is an issue with maybe someone leaving their mike on, but we seem to have lost the member for Northumberland—Peterborough South.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, I am here, and I have a follow-up question.
Therefore, it is inappropriate for the Minister of National Revenue or the Prime Minister to direct the CRA.
Diane Lebouthillier Liberal Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Madam Chair, I know that my Conservative colleagues had no problem politically interfering in CRA matters when they were in power, but we will never follow their example.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, when the Prime Minister tweeted out publicly, stopping the CRA from taxing employee discounts, and the minister also said it publicly, it stopped that very day. That was inappropriate. Will they join me now in condemning their actions?
Diane Lebouthillier Liberal Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Madam Chair, the Canada Revenue Agency is an independent agency.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, again, they are admitting that their actions in 2017, when they directed the CRA to stop taxing employee discounts, was incorrect, inappropriate and perhaps unethical.
Diane Lebouthillier Liberal Gaspésie—Les-Îles-de-la-Madeleine, QC
Madam Chair, our government respects the independence of the CRA, and we will never do what the Conservatives did. They had no problem politically interfering in CRA matters.
Philip Lawrence Conservative Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON
Madam Chair, I think that speaks for itself.
I will go back to the Minister of Finance. Is the Minister of Finance aware of what forecasting is? Because forecasting financials is critical. That is called hypotheticals. It is not part of her job; it is her job.