Minister Shea hosts economic consultations with local community and business leaders

Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, January 22, 2013... The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by Dr. Kellie Leitch, Parliamentary Secretary to the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, today took part in economic consultations with local community and business leaders. These consultations were aimed at engaging Canadians in discussions about their priorities and ideas for achieving the best use of taxpayers’ dollars in the lead-up to the 2013 budget.

"Economic Action Plan 2012 sets the tone for how we will continue to foster economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity in the coming year," said Minister Shea. "These consultations are an important part of the process to build on our success by finding more ways to strengthen Canada’s economy."

These consultations add to the Canada Revenue Agency’s (CRA) ongoing dialogue with businesses across the country. In October 2012, Minister Shea announced new measures to cut red tape at CRA as part of the Harper Government’s Red Tape Reduction Action Plan. Based on feedback from businesses coast to coast, progress to date includes the creation of a dedicated team that is responsible for coordinating and addressing small business issues such as making filing easier and eliminating barriers to voluntary compliance with the tax system.

"I strongly believe talking directly to Canadians is the best way to get input in how to help fuel job and economic growth in PEI, and across Canada," remarked Dr. Leitch. "Indeed, in the past, many of the ideas brought forward in local pre-budget meetings have been reflected in the actual federal budget."

Other measures the CRA has taken to reduce red tape include the creation of a "one-stop" Web page where businesses can now easily find information and service options relevant to their tax situation: www.cra.gc.ca/businessonline. Businesses, or their representatives, can also now ask the CRA a tax question related to their account using the My Business Account online enquiries service. Businesses then receive answers they can rely on in the secure online portal. To ensure that all Canadians can participate in the pre-budget consultation process, the federal government has launched online consultations through the Department of Finance Canada Web site. Those interested in participating can find more information at www.fin.gc.ca.

 Canada Revenue Agency

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