Cheryl Gallant, Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke, rose during Question Period today to ask the Revenue Minister why the government allows private companies to take thirty percent of Canadians’ emergency benefits.
Cheryl Gallant: In May, I called on this government to limit the amount tax credit promoters could take from Canadians’ Canada Emergency Relief Benefit payments. This House unanimously passed my Private Members Bill to limit what these tax credit promotors could charge, but after 5 years the government still has not set the regulations.
Now these same companies are preying on the confusion created with the CERB transition. When will this government stop taking the side of tax credit predators, who charge up to thirty percent of peoples CERB payments?
Francesco Sorbara, Parliamentary Secretary (National Revenue): Thank you to the Honourable Member for the question. These are difficult times for Canadians and our government will do what it takes to support them. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic helping people with disabilities maintain their health, safety, and dignity has remained a priority for our government. DTC to CERB delivery services were seen as essential since the onset of the crisis so that Canadians who need them can receive the essential support they need. The agency continues to actually work to improve the services it provides to Canadians.