Ottawa, September 16, 2004... The Canada Revenue Agency today assured Canadians that it is committed to continuing the delivery of essential services during this period of strike activity. Approximately 22,000 permanent and several thousand term employees represented by Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) have been in a legal strike position since September 8. Some employees have been engaging in rotating strikes across the country. While the Agency recognizes that this rotating job action is having some effects on its operations, it has designated employees to maintain the delivery of essential services. Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCTB) payments will be issued as planned, as will the GST/HST Credit payment and all other benefit and credit payments. The processing of objections relating to eligibility for the CCTB and the GST/HST Credit, as well as rulings and appeals relating to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan, will also continue. The next CCTB payment will be issued September 20. The CRA also reminds all taxpayers¿individuals and businesses¿that it offers options to help them meet their payment and remittance deadlines. Making a payment in person is not always convenient, especially during a period of strike activity. The CRA is encouraging taxpayers to make their payments directly through their financial institutions. This can be done electronically, by using a bank¿s Internet or telephone banking service, or by bringing a remittance voucher directly to the bank, which can transmit a payment to the Agency directly. For those who are unable to pay in person or through their bank, payments can still be sent by mail to a CRA tax centre. Taxpayers are responsible for doing everything they can to ensure payments are received by the CRA in time to avoid penalties or interest charges. The CRA has several online services, including My Account. My Account provides Canadians with convenience and flexibility in viewing their personal income tax information, Canada Child Tax Benefit and GST/HST Credit information, and instalment information on a secure Web site. The My Account service is available through the CRA¿s Web site seven days a week. For more information on CRA services during a strike, on making payments electronically, or on the Agency¿s electronic services, visit the CRA Web site at www.cra-arc.gc.ca. For media information
