House of Commons photoWon her last election, in 2006, with 49% of the vote.
Armenia February 12th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, when the member asked his question, I was quite concerned about the case he cited. I believe it is from my riding. I was not aware of this case prior to this evening.
We do a lot of DTC cases as well. It is my understanding that only a medical doctor can overrule. However, I will check that and get back to the member on this.
Armenia February 12th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, let me begin by emphasizing that the confidentiality provisions of the Income Tax Act prevent me from commenting on individual cases. Nonetheless, I will gladly discuss the disability tax credit in more general terms.
The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency's responsibility is to administer the disability tax credit, DTC, in accordance with the legislation. The Income Tax Act requires that if someone wants to claim the DTC, a medical practitioner must use the prescribed form to certify that person's severe and prolonged impairment. From time to time CCRA needs clarification and has to request additional information from the medical practitioner.
CCRA does not question the diagnosis or the medical practitioner's expertise. Rather, CCRA is attempting to fulfill its responsibility for ensuring that the legislation's specific eligibility criteria for the DTC are met.
As the hon. member is aware, the CCRA has been conducting a review of DTC claims for the period between 1985 and 1996. During that 12 year period, clients who applied for the DTC were accepted when their tax return was assessed. A small percentage of DTC claims were later selected for indepth review.
Our procedures have changed since 1996. Every new application is now reviewed right away to make a clear determination of the client's eligibility right up front.
The review of claims prior to 1996 is not about denying this tax credit to people who have a legitimate right to it. Instead, the review is about discontinuing payment to people who do not meet the DTC requirements. Our review of pre-1996 claims is finding many people who should not have been approved in the first place, as well as people who should have been approved for only a temporary period.
When a DTC claim has been denied, a person can request an impartial review of their eligibility by filing a notice of objection with the CCRA. If the claim is still disallowed, the next recourse would be to file an appeal with the Tax Court of Canada.
The CCRA is responsible for administering the DTC and other tax programs in strict accordance with the existing legislation. This type of responsible enforcement activity is an essential element of the CCRA's mission to promote compliance with Canada's tax, trade and border legislation and regulations.
Let me once again emphasize that the special review of older DTC claims is not designed to limit the number of people who benefit from this tax credit. Instead, the review is about ensuring that all DTC claims have undergone the same level of review for eligibility. That means fairness and equity for everyone.
Canada Customs and Revenue Agency February 12th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the CCRA's approach to its clients is guided by its values of integrity, professionalism, respect and co-operation. Every employee strives to meet these high standards every single day.
CCRA seeks the views of Canadians on the service it provides. The latest CCRA baseline study indicates that at least three out of every four Canadians believe that the CCRA is professional, honest, efficient, fair and treats the public with respect while respecting the confidentiality of information.
In addition, almost three-quarters of Canadians believe that the CCRA is continually working to improve its services and that it cares about the needs of the public.
Fair treatment and a commitment to the rights of Canadians are fundamental to the relationship CCRA has with its clients. The fairness program and the independent appeals branch are tangible evidence of CCRA's commitment to provide Canadians with the timely and impartial review of contested assessments or decisions. It is committed to providing client centred services.
Goods and Services Tax January 31st, 2003
Absolutely, Mr. Speaker. Many of the GST investigations are related to drug dealers, to gun dealers and to other acts of violations of Canadian law.
Goods and Services Tax January 31st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I think that is definitely not what the minister has been saying. The minister has been saying that under current investigations there has been an additional $850 million collected.
Goods and Services Tax January 31st, 2003
Mr. Speaker, CCRA has a vigorous audit program to detect non-compliance with the GST. Where non-compliance appears to be fraudulent the cases are referred to investigators for potential prosecution.
Any assertion by others that CCRA is not actively pursuing these fraudulent schemes is not supported by these facts. As of December 2002, 78 cases are before the courts and 125 under active investigation. The CCRA also has some--
Iraq January 29th, 2003
Madam Chairman, yes I do.
Iraq January 29th, 2003
Madam Chairman, we are talking about suppositions. I would like the member to show me without a doubt that Saddam Hussein has these weapons of mass destruction to which he continues to refer.
Not only do I oppose the economic sanctions against Iraq, an all party parliamentary standing committee on foreign affairs, including members of the Alliance Party, voted unanimously for the de-linking of sanctions against Iraq.
What do I propose to do? I think we need to continue to monitor Iraq. We need to help the people re-establish their society and empower the people to overthrow the regime from within. Change has to come from within, not from the outside forces, or it will not last.
Iraq January 29th, 2003
Madam Chairman, I thank the hon. member for his question, I think. I believe he is trying to line up the sides here.
However, we went to Kosovo based on the “fact” that there were mass graves. That turned out not to be true. Unless we can show conclusively that not only does Saddam Hussein have weapons of mass destruction but is about to use them or is in the process of attacking another sovereign nation, my vote is no.
Iraq January 29th, 2003
Baghdad Beaumier, Hanoi Jane, and I know the hon. member is young and he can remember only little bits of history, however, if we recall, Hanoi Jane was absolutely right: Both the United States government and the leader of the war in Vietnam have acknowledged that the war was wrong, and Canada did not participate in that war.