First meeting between President Carr and Revenue Minister Lebouthillier

On October 28, 2022 President Carr met for the first time with Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier to discuss a number of important issues that affect our members, public services and Canadian taxpayers.

On the key issue of tax fairness, she emphasized that mega-corporations and the ultra-wealthy are not paying their fair share. To provide essential services to Canadians, the government must protect its revenue sources, close tax loopholes, fight tax evasion and invest in the CRA to investigate and enforce tax laws.

Regarding recruitment and retention at the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), she reminded the minister that the AFS Group collective agreement will expire on December 21, 2022 and that negotiations are ongoing. Compensation is our members’ highest priority. The cost of living is rising at its fastest rate in decades. They also want to enjoy flexible hours and have their right to telework protected by their collective agreement.

Finally, President Carr also outlined our concerns over the Bloc’s current Bill C-239, aimed at transferring responsibility for tax collection in that province from the CRA to Revenu Québec. PIPSC had helped defeat a previous version of this Bill in 2021, by raising awareness of this issue directly with Members of Parliament.  We continue to monitor this poorly thought-out Bill and actively oppose it.

Minister Le Bouthillier welcomed the opportunity to hear from our union on these matters, and expressed her unqualified respect for our members and the work they perform so well on behalf of all Canadians.