Posted on 03 September 2009
“The Harper Government is failing to answer questions about what action they are taking to fight tax evasion,” stated Charlottetown Senator Percy Downe.
In 2006, the German Government obtained information on secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein. Subsequently, German authorities advised the Government of Canada of the names of Canadians with bank accounts in Liechtenstein and confirmed over 100 Canadians were on the formerly secret list.
“I have been trying to determine what the Canadian Government did with this information, but the Government has refused to respond,” stated Downe.
“Obviously the Harper Government is embarrassed by its lack of action. Canadians are fully entitled to this information, and the Government should answer questions on their laisser faire attitude on tax evasion,” concluded Downe.
The Senate of Canada
Order Paper and Notice Paper
WRITTEN QUESTIONS
By the Honourable Senator Downe:
January 26, 2009—With respect to possible tax evasion:
In 2006, German authorities received information about secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein which were opened by German citizens in order to avoid paying taxes owed to the German state. Since 2006, many Germans have admitted to tax evasion and the government has recovered millions in unpaid taxes.
German authorities also advised the Government of Canada of the names of Canadians with bank accounts in Liechtenstein.
A. Could the Government of Canada provide the following information:
i. How many Canadians have been identified as having undeclared bank accounts in Liechtenstein?
ii. How many identified Canadians with accounts in Liechtenstein have availed of the voluntary disclosure program with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)?
iii. How many identified Canadians with accounts in Liechtenstein have settled with the CRA?
iv. Based on the information about Liechtenstein bank accounts, how many Canadian account holders have been charged with tax evasion?
v. How much money, including unpaid taxes, fines, etc., has the CRA recovered as a result of investigating these secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein?
B. Could the Government of Canada summarize what action, if any, has been taken by Canadian officials to recover unpaid taxes associated with Canadians' undeclared bank accounts in Liechtenstein?
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For further information:
Senator Percy Downe: 613-943-8107
http://www.sen.parl.gc.ca/pdowne
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