Mr. Morneau, Take Concrete Steps to Tackle Tax Havens

OTTAWA - In a letter sent today, the NDP’s Finance Critic Alexandre Boulerice is calling on the Finance Minister to take concrete steps to tackle tax havens. Recent leaks in the Paradise Papers are clearly overshadowing the Liberal government’s willingness to fight tax evasion and abusive tax avoidance.

"I am writing you today to urge the government to take concrete action against tax havens, in order to stop being part of the problem and instead be part of the solution, “ writes Boulerice. “Our tax system, established by successive governments, is the root of the problem. It’s a system developed by the wealthy that only benefits the wealthy."

Instead of taking action, the government is stalling and continuing to sign tax agreements with tax havens. This inaction is costing the federal government nearly 8 billion dollars per year in lost revenue. This money could instead be used to help families find affordable housing or repair our roads.

"Many experts have stated that Canada is sovereign in its rule of law and can act on many fronts,” continues Boulerice. “If the government knows it is losing billions of dollars every year to tax havens, what is it waiting for to change the situation? Is the government putting the interests of the wealthiest in our society ahead of those of ordinary Canadians?"