The Canada Revenue Agency will consult with small and medium-sized businesses during November to discuss measures in the Red Tape Reduction Action Plan, Kamloops MP Cathy McLeod said in a press release Thursday. McLeod is parliamentary secretary to the minister of national revenue.
"Our government’s Red Tape Reduction Action Plan identifies broad areas of improvement. As we move to implement this plan, we want to ensure that our priorities reflect the needs of the business community," she is quoted as saying. "Our government is committed to getting it right when it comes to cutting red tape and maintaining good lines of communication with businesses."
The consultations include discussions on reporting obligations, usage and availability of online services, and information requirements across federal departments and other levels of governments.
"It is important for CRA to hear from small business owners and their representatives to learn how they can work better with them, and so these consultations are a good start," said Corinne Pohlmann, vice-president of national affairs for the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. "If CRA implements changes based on what they heard that help reduce red tape and improve service at CRA, we hope it will have a tangible impact on Canadian small businesses."
The sessions will be held in Vancouver, Calgary, Winnipeg, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. Participants will be invited through business associations and organizations.
The federal government established the red tape reduction commission in January 2011 to identify irritants to small businesses from government rules and regulations. The plan was unveiled in October 2012. While some of the measures have been implemented, others require further consultation with businesses.
For more information, visit www.cra.gc.ca/redtapereduction or call 1-800-959-5525.
