Minister Lebouthillier Highlights the Government of Canada's Commitment to Review Access to Services at the Canada Revenue Agency

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Aug. 29, 2016) - Canada Revenue Agency

The Government of Canada is committed to overhauling its service model to ensure tax fairness for the middle class. It recognizes the importance of small businesses in creating jobs and supporting the economy.

Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, hosted a roundtable on service at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) for members of the business community in Toronto, Ontario. Minister Lebouthillier's mandate includes reviewing access to CRA services so that people who deal with the CRA are treated like important clients rather than simply as taxpayers. Service excellence is a top priority for the Government and the CRA.

The Government announced measures in Budget 2016 that aim to make the CRA an organization that is more client-focused. As outlined in the last budget, the CRA will:

• pilot a dedicated telephone support line for tax service providers, giving them greater access to CRA information to the benefit of the millions of clients they serve; and
• deliver the CRA's correspondence for businesses in a new, easy-to-read format.

The CRA consults regularly with the business community and recognizes that when small and medium businesses and their stakeholders share feedback with the CRA, they are helping it create programs and services that are fairer, more helpful, and easier to use.

Quotes

"Canadians deserve high-quality services delivered in a way that makes them feel respected and valued. Budget 2016 commits $185.8 million over five years, starting in 2016-17, and $14.6 million ongoing for the CRA to address our government's commitments to service excellence through a number of initiatives."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, P.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue

Quick Facts

This fall, the CRA will kick off national Serving You Better consultations with small and medium businesses. Interested participants can register at canada.ca/cra-serving-you-better. Those who cannot attend in person, or who want to give immediate feedback, can go to cra-engage-arc.ca/en.

Associated links

Small and medium businesses: the Canada Revenue Agency is committed to Serving You Better

Budget 2016

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