NDP to call minister to testify at Finance committee about KPMG tax evasion scheme

New Democrats are putting forward a motion at Finance Committee calling on National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier, key CRA officials and KPMG executives to testify regarding the tax evasion scandal revealed in leaked documents.

“Canadians have serious questions about the sweetheart deals given by the CRA to wealthy people who used offshore tax havens to evade taxes,” said NDP National Revenue Critic Pierre-Luc Dusseault. “Liberals refuse to give answers or launch an inquiry into this scandal so New Democrats will ask the Minister to come to Finance Committee to shine a light on what happened.”

Earlier this week, leaked documents showed the Canadian Revenue Agency made secret deals to let multimillionaire tax cheats off the hook after being caught using an offshore tax sham devised by KPMG. The Government has refused to explain why these deals were offered and whether anyone is being held accountable.

“In times of growing inequality, to see people caught hiding millions from the government get off without even a slap on the wrist is simply appalling,” said NDP Finance Critic Guy Caron. “Failure to act on this case would send a message to the wealthy that they can get away with tax fraud without penalties—the Liberals need to act now.”