House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 43% of the vote.
National Revenue February 17th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as I said yesterday, confidential tax information cannot be released outside of Revenue Canada unless authorized by the client or by the law.
The matter of which the member speaks is with Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. Last year we looked at that particular issue and we have cleared up any ambiguity that may have existed.
Privilege February 16th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I rise today to respond to a question of privilege raised on December 11, 1997 by the hon. member for Pictou—Antigonish—Guysborough.
I thank the Speaker for reserving judgment on the matter raised and providing an opportunity for me to provide information regarding the matter of the payroll deduction tables which appeared on the Revenue Canada website prior to approval of the rates in Bill C-2.
It was not the intent of my department to compromise or negate the member's privilege to consider amendments to the proposed bill by publishing these new tables on its website prior to approval.
While it is true the payroll deduction tables were placed on the Revenue Canada website prior to the approval of Bill C-2, the release of these rates was clearly accompanied by an appropriate disclaimer indicating to employers that the tables were based on proposed legislation. The disclaimer noted:
This publication contains proposed changes to the Canada pension plan for 1998, as provided in Bill C-2. This bill is currently before the Senate of Canada and, if passed as proposed, will become law.
The payroll deduction tables were placed on the website in December as a public service to employers who need this vital information in order to prepare their payroll systems for the year that began January 1, 1998.
This information was particularly important for employers at that time because of the change in the Canada pension rate that was announced in November 1997. The rate change resulted in a delay of the production of the 1998 tables. Knowing that the printed version of the tables would not reach employers until January, Revenue Canada published the tables on its website and included an appropriate disclaimer.
The actions of my department in this regard do not constitute a contempt of the Parliament of Canada but rather provide a valuable public service for employers.
Revenue February 16th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the member that personal tax information is not released. In fact at national revenue we ensure that all information of taxpayers is kept confidential. No information is released. We value that confidence which we maintain. I want to assure the House it is something we value very much. We do not release the confidential information of taxpayers.
Revenue Canada February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I will certainly take the representations of the hon. member, look at the issue and get back to him.
We at Revenue Canada are very sensitive to the fishing industry and want to ensure that we are fair in our assessment. We will work toward ensuring that we comply fully and are sensitive to their concerns.
Revenue Canada February 13th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the good work our auditors do in Revenue Canada. Last year we were able to bring in $5.4 billion due to their good work.
We are continuing to hire new auditors. If the hon. member is saying we should hire more, we will.
One of the reasons we are working on the agency is to give us flexibility so that we can more quickly respond to our human resources needs and quickly respond and hire more people when we need them and not have to wait for long periods of time.
I very much support the hon. member. We are working to do that.
National Revenue February 11th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I recently released a progress report on the Canadian customs and revenue agency. I know Reformers do not like to consult, but we on this side of the House consult with Canadians, we consult with stakeholders and with the provinces.
The agency is about delivering better service to Canadians and also making sure we work in partnership and co-operation with the provinces. Together we are going to build an agency that can truly provide lower cost and better service for all Canadians.
Questions On The Order Paper February 10th, 1998
Since inception of the GST, and with respect to outstanding GST accounts as at March 31, 1997, end of last fiscal year: (a) the total number of outstanding accounts—approximately 718,000; (b) the total amount assessed to these accounts—$2,288,658,000.
Since the inception of GST, all numbers are estimates based on manual input from field offices: (c) number of litigations against accounts—3,879, this figure includes the number of legal actions taken, including those still outstanding; (d) court costs—$499,224, collection costs—unavailable. Court costs include the cost for legal agents and any other related outlays, such as registration fees for writs.
With the passage of Bill C-2, Department of National Revenue Act, royal assent May 12, 1994, the departments of taxation and of customs and excise were consolidated, and GST operations have been merged with those of other product lines. Accordingly, the costs of collecting specifically GST as of 1995/96 are no longer available on the same basis as in the past. The Department of Justice also provides support to Revenue Canada. However, the costs associated specifically with collection activites are not tracked.
e) Number of seizures exercised—1,081.
Ice Storm February 5th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we care very much about the people affected by the ice storm. I am happy to announce today on behalf of the government and the hon. Minister of Finance that we will be extending the deadline for RRSPs to the end of March 1998 for those areas affected by the ice storm. This will enable them to get their financial house in order and ensure that they will be able to take full advantage of the RRSP contribution.
Questions On The Order Paper February 2nd, 1998
The provisions of section 241 of the Income Tax Act on confidentiality of information prevent the department from disclosing personal client information.
Tax Evasion December 8th, 1997
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the member that we take action to ensure that all Canadians pay their fair share of taxes right across this country.
I also want to assure the member that at Revenue Canada we have forensic specialists. We have people who directly deal with computer fraud and who will ensure that we continue the good work at Revenue Canada. We ensure that all Canadians and all businesses pay their fair share of taxes.
They do. Most Canadians abide by our self-assessment program and businesses pay their taxes. We will continue the good work that we have been doing right across Canada.