House of Commons photoLost his last election, in 2011, with 24% of the vote.
Cinar May 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, once again, the question has to do with a specific corporation and, under the rule of confidentiality, I am obviously unable to comment.
I will not comment because all Canadians understand the rule of confidentiality, support it and certainly understand its importance. The government will ensure that this rule is respected.
Cinar May 2nd, 2000
Mr. Speaker, first, with respect to the corporation referred to, the rules of confidentiality obviously prevent me from commenting.
Second, concerning the fairness initiative, which includes a voluntary disclosure measure, the meaning of voluntary disclosure is obviously clear from the expression itself: the case must not have been brought to the attention of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency if one is to benefit from this aspect of the fairness initiative.
Cinar May 1st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, again, as I said, the Income Tax Act applies to all Canadians, it applies to all individuals and corporations.
People clearly understand and support the principle of confidentiality, a principle which I will uphold as Minister of National Revenue.
Also, as I said before, voluntary disclosure is a positive action. The government or any other entity must not have already taken measures to recover funds belonging to the state.
Cinar May 1st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, again, at the risk of repeating myself, I cannot make specific comments on CINAR. However, I wish to refer to the fairness initiative put forward by the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency of which I am very proud and which includes several points.
That initiative includes what is called voluntary disclosure. It goes without saying that the notion of voluntary disclosure implies an initiative, a positive action taken by an individual or a corporation.
Cinar May 1st, 2000
Once again, Mr. Speaker, first, I cannot provide any specific information; second, the law applies to everyone; and third, I wish to repeat what I have already said in the House—there is excellent co-operation between the RCMP and the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.
Cinar May 1st, 2000
Mr. Speaker, as I have said on numerous occasions, first, under the law, with respect to questions on specific files, this is confidential information that I may not comment on.
Second, Canada has something called the Income Tax Act. It applies to all Canadians, both individuals and corporations.
Cinar April 13th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, once again, as members know, I cannot comment on a specific file, because of the rule of confidentiality.
That being said, the mandate of the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency includes a responsibility to ensure that the Income Tax Act is complied with throughout the country.
I want to assure this House that, whenever issues are raised and investigations must be undertaken, the department acts with great diligence and does an excellent job.
Cinar April 12th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, as I have already said on several occasions, there is one fundamental principle underlying the Canadian taxation system, and that is the confidentiality of all files.
That said, I can assure the House that we have co-operated in the past, are co-operating at present, and will continue to co-operate in future with the RCMP in all cases, while keeping in mind, of course, the principle of confidentiality so dear to all the people of Canada.
Revenue Canada April 12th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, I have already answered that question. This is an administrative process involving the whole department, and it is based on expenses.
I think that the report tabled yesterday by the auditor general is an important and interesting document, which was prepared in co-operation with the agency. It includes suggestions on how to improve the program's operation.
I have a question for the opposition. Today, they are using that report to score cheap political points. Where were they when it was time to do something to improve the credit? Where were they when it was time to work together with—
Revenue Canada April 12th, 2000
Mr. Speaker, obviously that member of the Reform Party must be dreaming. There is no political interference into the question of the management of the SR&ED tax credit. As I said in French, it is quite obvious that it is an administrative process based on claims by corporations. We look at expenses and then they are given the credits. It is as simple as that. It is impossible to be politically involved in such a process.