Senior government tax officials went to private receptions hosted by private tax accountants, according to an investigation by the public broadcaster, CBC. Among the accountants was staff from KPMG, an accounting firm being investigated over a multi-million tax dodge in the Isle of man.
CBC reports that two events took place at the exclusive private club, the Rideau Club in Ottawa in 2014 and 2015. It notes this club has a rule that what is said inside is not to be revealed outside.
Tax department has strict rules
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has strict rules forbidding staff from accepting “gifts, hospitality or other benefits that will, or could, have a real, apparent or potential influence on your objectivity and neutrality in performing your CRA duties.”
The CRA told CBC the KPMG tax dodge case was not discussed at the events, and that none on involved in the case was to attend.
Tax fairness activist critical
Duff Conacher, a co-founder of Democracy Watch told CBC that “whatever was discussed, CRA enforcement officials should not have attended a private reception paid for by the industry they are regulating.”
Opposition parties will no doubt raise the issue in Parliament’s House of Commons during the next Question Period.
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