Why do the Liberals always reward wealthy tax dodgers? Why do they not make them pay their fair share?
Hon. Marc Garneau (Minister of Transport, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, our government is firmly committed to fighting tax evaders. Out-of-court settlements are reached through a fully independent process within the Canada Revenue Agency, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, to ensure the integrity of the tax system.
While we understand that settlements can be used appropriately in certain circumstances, we are concerned about the lack of transparency associated with them. That is why the minister has directed the CRA to review its processes to allow for greater transparency on the reasons why a settlement is reached.
Mr. Peter Julian (New Westminster—Burnaby, NDP): Mr. Speaker, the Liberals have been in power for four years. It is about time that they take some responsibility for that. In the past, people and large companies paid equal amounts of income tax. Since then, Liberal and Conservative governments have shifted the balance in favour of the richest companies and people have been forced to make up the difference. The Liberals and Conservatives always put the profits of the wealthiest ahead of people trying to get ahead.
Why do the Liberals not have the courage to make sure the richest in Canada, including the web giants, pay their fair share?
Hon. Pablo Rodriguez (Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, Lib.): Mr. Speaker, once again, the question should be asked of the Conservatives. For 10 full years they did nothing. On our side, we work. We put in place a panel that will give recommendations and we will change the law, a law that predates the Internet. While they did nothing, we will make sure that anybody who participates in this system contributes to the system, without any exception.