Herb Dhaliwal

[Taxation, April 20th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as usual this member and his party speak out of both sides of their mouths. Members opposite stand in this House to say that we collect too many taxes, that we have too much revenue, and now they are saying we are not collecting enough taxes.

What we have is a balanced approach to ensure that we provide better service to Canadians and that we provide access to Canadians to improve voluntary compliance.

This is a government that reduced taxes by $16.5 billion. We do not just speak about it, we do it.

[Taxation, April 20th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to meet with the auditor general in regard to his report.

Of course, when the auditor general talks about the underground economy he is talking about both federal and provincial revenues.

We have a voluntary compliance system. We have one of the highest rates of voluntary compliance. Ninety-five per cent of Canadians pay their fair share of taxes. We also have an enforcement program which has resulted in $5 billion.

The auditor general said that we have a balanced approach which ensures and encourages voluntary compliance, but at the same time we have a strong enforcement system, and that is—

[Questions On The Order Paper, April 14th, 1999]

T1013 is the form which authorizes accountants and tax preparers, acting on behalf of clients, to provide consent for the release of relevant taxpayer information. Therefore, it would not be applicalbe in the release of taxpayer information to the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation, MPIC. Such information can only be released to MPIC when the taxpayer has signed and approved consent form which provides a clear statement that the Department of National Revenue may release information to MPIC.

Following a complaint received from a taxpayer in November 1997 regarding the release of information to MPIC, the Department of National Revenue reviewed the consent form being used by MPIC to obtain authorization to request taxpayer information relevant to the processing of claims. As a result of the department's review, the form was modified to meet current standards to ensure that there is no ambiguity about the release of information the client is authorizing.

A complaint was also filed with the Winnipeg city police and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police that investigated this matter. Both law enforcement agencies found that there was no criminal intent and that charges were not warranted.

[Revenue Canada, March 22nd, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned about our ability to deliver service to Canadians and to small businesses.

While efforts are provided to maximize service to Canadians we continue to expect disruptions because of the ongoing PSAC strikes.

I have to report to the House that we are 1.2 million tax returns behind our normal processing. In addition, we are seeking legal action to stop the illegal activity. It also has cost Revenue Canada $10 million for this strike. Canadians want us to resolve this issue and we will. I hope Reform and the opposition will support the government.

[National Revenue, March 17th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I am extremely concerned with the disruptions as a result of the PSAC strike. Right now we are actually behind in terms of receipt of tax returns of 900,000. As all of us know, we process 22 million tax forms every year.

Certainly as we approach the tax season, I am extremely concerned because we want to ensure that the refunds to Canadians are provided on time. We are watching the situation very closely so we can meet our responsibilities and obligations to taxpayers across the country.

[Taxation, March 16th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should have stood and applauded the Minister of Finance who increased the $500 to $1,000 for volunteer firefighters in the last budget.

In terms of deductions for the amount paid, this is something I am looking at right now because of the representations made by many of my colleagues. I will report back on what we will do. It is a very important issue and we are reviewing it right now.

[National Revenue, March 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, as usual Reform does not have its facts right.

The hon. member for Calgary Southeast a few weeks ago said that hundreds of jobs have been transferred to Shawinigan. I gave him the real facts. One job was transferred. I would hope the member would check his facts more appropriately before asking questions.

[Public Service Of Canada, March 15th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for her excellent question. It certainly shows that our members on this side of the House are on the ball and want to ensure that we provide full service to Canadians.

We regret any disruption of service to Canadians as a result of the rotating PSAC strike.

I want to assure members of parliament and Canadians that we are doing whatever we can to provide this service. We will not tolerate any illegal activity at our tax service offices. In fact, we got an injunction against the union in B.C. and will continue—

[War Veterans Allowance Act, March 11th, 1999]

moved that the bill be read the third time and passed.

[War Veterans Allowance Act, March 11th, 1999]

moved that the bill be concurred in.

(Motion agreed to)