Fight against tax havens - Québec delegation headed by actor Vincent Graton meets with the Canada Revenue Agency

OTTAWA, Feb. 23, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - A Québec delegation led by actor Vincent Graton will take part today in a meeting at the Office of the Minister of National Revenue, Diane Lebouthillier, to share their deep concerns regarding the insufficient measures taken by the federal government to fight the use of tax havens. The delegation will also present the Canada Revenue Agency representatives with a range of solutions that should be implemented.

The delegation, brought together by Vincent Graton, is composed of the tax expert and lawyer Marwah Rizqy, the philosopher Alain Deneault and the economist Érik Bouchard-Boulianne, of the Échec aux paradis fiscaux group. "After calling on Prime Minister Trudeau several times, the Canada Revenue Agency finally granted me an interview. There is no longer any doubt about public indignation. The public is clearly demanding that the federal government put in place more effective and ambitious solutions to tackle tax havens and that's the message that we took to the Agency's representatives," explained Vincent Graton.

"Several actions can and must be undertaken immediately by the federal government: impose far more severe penalties for tax evaders and professionals who propose fraudulent strategies; ensure strict oversight of out-of-court agreements reached between tax authorities and taxpayers; and ensure tax fairness in digital commerce. There are so many things that the government can do!" explained Marwah Rizqy. Alain Deneault added: "The government must also review tax agreements reached with certain known tax havens and prevent the tax-free repatriation of income and profits that are not taxed or subject to very low tax abroad. This is a matter of justice and fairness. The wealthiest should not be able to avoid paying tax."

In addition to the Canada Revenue Agency, the delegation will meet with a representative of Senator Percy Downe, as well as the Bloc québécois and the New Democratic Party.  "As was the case at the Montréal office of Prime Minister Trudeau, we took advantage of our visit to Ottawa to drop off a bird of paradise bouquet at Parliament. It is our little symbol of the citizen engagement that keeps growing," concluded Vincent Graton.

SOURCE Alliance du personnel professionnel et technique de la santé et des services sociaux (APTS)