Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

CRA should warn about clawbacks: Taxpayer watchdog

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 13 Dec, 2022 01:13 PM
  • CRA should warn about clawbacks: Taxpayer watchdog

OTTAWA - Taxpayers' Ombudsperson François Boileau says the Canada Revenue Agency should warn Canadians applying for benefits about the risk of potential clawbacks to other income supports.

In his latest annual report, Boileau recommended that the CRA make it clear to applicants that benefits that increase their income could affect other benefits they receive,including provincial benefits.

Boileau said during a news conference Tuesday that the recommendation was inspired by the experience of some seniors during the pandemic who saw their guaranteed income supplements cut because they accepted COVID-19 benefits.

"We thought that it might happen again in the future," Boileau said.

The federal government issued one-time payments in April to compensate seniors affected by such clawbacks.

Boileau's report provided other recommendations to the CRA to improve its service delivery and highlighted that 40 per cent of the inquiries his office received last year related to COVID-19 benefits.

The ombudsperson also raised concerns about vulnerable individuals not filing their taxes and therefore missing out on benefits.

Boileau said he would be providing recommendations in the future to address that.

His report notes that while the CRA has publicly reported 93.5 per cent of Canadians participate in the tax system, academics estimate the proportion to be slightly lower.

"We're still trying to fully understand the problem and actually propose concrete solutions, so that's why there's no recommendations this year. But you bet there will be at another point," Boileau said.

MORE National ARTICLES

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers
The BC Nurses Union has been calling for better protective measures for its members for at least 30 years. Its president, Aman Grewal, says nurses are punched, kicked, grabbed and verbally and sexually harassed at increasingly dangerous workplaces, where injury rates are under-reported and higher than those affecting first responders.

Anti-violence program for B.C. health-care workers

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley
According to the Mounties, this does not appear to be a random act. The area surrounding the scene will be cordoned off for a significant amount of time. IHIT will be working in partnership with Langley RCMP.

IHIT called in after fatal shooting in Langley

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence
Officers attended the scene and located holes in a fence as well damage to the exterior of a residence. The vehicle is described as a white four-door sedan. The investigation is ongoing and a motive has not yet been identified. 

Newton shooting results in bullet holes in the exterior of the residence

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD
Two men have been arrested after barricading themselves with weapons inside a downtown grocery store this morning. A VPD crisis negotiator convinced the men to surrender without incident. The investigation is ongoing. 

2 men with weapons barricade themselves inside a grocery store: VPD

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision
On Friday, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a two vehicle collision occurred in the intersection of 132 Street and 108 Avenue. Two people have been transported to hospital with injuries. 

Intersection of 132nd St & 108 Ave closed in Surrey due to 2 vehicle collision

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border
The bodies of Jagdishkumar Patel, 39; his wife Vaishaliben Patel, 37; their 11-year-old daughter, Vihangi; and their three-year-old son, Dharmik, were found on Jan. 19 near Emerson, Man., just metres from the U.S. border. Their deaths were determined to be due to exposure. 

RCMP release new details about Indian migrants who died at border