Department of Finance Canada Releases Annual Report on Federal Tax Expenditures

News release

April 11, 2019 – Ottawa, Ontario – Department of Finance Canada

The Government of Canada is building an economy that works for everyone—where people, businesses and communities have a real and fair shot at success. The foundation of that economy is a modern, simple and efficient tax system where everyone pays their fair share.

Today the Department of Finance Canada released the 2019 Report on Federal Tax Expenditures—Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations. This report, shared under the Government's commitment to openness and transparency, provides estimates of the fiscal cost of federal tax measures designed to keep the federal tax system functioning properly and support Canadian families and businesses.

This year's report also includes two analytical papers. The first paper is an evaluation of the moving expense deduction, which recognizes the expenses involved in moving to a new job. The second paper responds to the requirements of the Canadian Gender Budgeting Act of 2018 by presenting a Gender-based Analysis Plus of the federal personal income tax system, focusing on the impacts of tax expenditures among various groups of men and women.

The release of today's report coincides with the tabling of the Main Estimates in the House of Commons by the President of the Treasury Board.

Quick facts

  • The Government of Canada first reported on federal tax expenditures in 1979. It has published estimates of tax expenditures for personal and corporate income taxes, as well as for the Goods and Services Tax, since 1994.

  • The Report on Federal Tax Expenditures—Concepts, Estimates and Evaluations is a key component of the Government's reporting on the federal tax system, contributing to public dialogue on federal tax policies.

  • Tax expenditure reporting is considered an international best practice to foster government budgetary and fiscal transparency. 

  • Studies published by international organizations—including the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the International Monetary Fund—have recognized the quality of Canada's reporting on federal tax expenditures, noting the broad range of measures tracked and details provided.

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Contacts

Media may contact:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Director of Media Relations
Office of the Minister of Finance
pierre-olivier.herbert@canada.ca
613-369-5696

Media Relations
Department of Finance Canada
fin.media-media.fin@canada.ca
613-369-4000

General Enquiries

Phone: 613-369-3710
Facsimile: 613-369-4065
TTY: 613-369-3230
E-mail: fin.financepublic-financepublique.fin@canada.ca

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