Minister Shea discusses red tape reduction efforts with small business owners

Toronto, Ontario, February 19, 2013... The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, accompanied by Laura Jones, Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), took part in a round-table discussion with local businesses and CFIB members today to hear their views on improving government services to Canadian businesses.

"Our Government is committed to cutting red tape for small businesses so that they can continue to grow and create jobs. Meeting with business owners, and key national stakeholders like the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, is a valuable way for our Government to receive feedback on the quality of service delivery,” said Minister Shea. “The Canada Revenue Agency continues to enhance existing features and introduce new ones so that businesses can focus more on running and growing their business, and spend less time filling out paperwork."

As part of the Harper Government’s Red Tape Reduction efforts, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has introduced a number of initiatives to lighten the burden placed on small business. These initiatives include:

• The My Business Account online enquiries service. Businesses, or their representatives, can ask the CRA tax-related questions about their accounts online and they will receive answers online in writing.
• A dedicated team responsible for coordinating and addressing small business issues. The team’s mandate is to ensure the CRA takes a “small business lens” approach to service improvements with a renewed and enhanced focus on cutting red tape for small businesses.
• Agent ID for the CRA’s business enquiries telephone service. Now, when a business owner calls the CRA, an agent will provide their first name, a number, and a regional suffix (such as O-N-T for Ontario or A-T-L for the Atlantic Region) at the beginning of each call. The Agent ID number ensures a consistent experience for callers and makes it easier for business owners to provide feedback on CRA services.
• The Group ID feature in Represent a Client. This feature lets businesses maintain employee access to business information through the CRA’s online service. This means that business owners only need to fill out the RC59, Business Consent Form, once, addressing a key irritant for the business community.

Recently, Minister Shea was awarded the CFIB Golden Scissors Award for introducing measures that improve services at the CRA as part of the Harper Government’s Red Tape Reduction Action Plan.

"The efforts of Minister Gail Shea are not going unnoticed by Canada’s small business community," said CFIB Executive Vice-President, Laura Jones. "Her dedication to accountability, and her willingness to treat business owners as customers, is helping turn the tide in the battle against red tape."

The CRA also created a one-stop-shop Web page where businesses can now easily find information and service options relevant to their tax situation. To find out more, go to www.cra.gc.ca/businessonline.


Canada Revenue Agency

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