Calgary, Alberta, February 19, 2009 ... Mr. Paul Dubé, Canada's first Taxpayers' Ombudsman, arrived in Calgary yesterday, continuing a national outreach tour that is taking him to several cities across Canada. This tour is an opportunity for him to tell Canadians that they now have someone independent and impartial to review their service complaints about the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). “My mandate is to see that Canadians get the professional service and fair treatment they are entitled to from the CRA.” explained Mr. Dubé.
On his first day in Calgary, Mr. Dubé toured the Calgary Tax Services Office, made a presentation to the Calgary Millenium Rotary Club, and met with the Alberta Motor Transport Association. Before leaving on Friday, February 20, he will meet with business and financial associations, accountant groups, as well as other Canadians who receive services from the CRA. “The response to the tour so far has been remarkable, with a friendly reception from various associations and a lot of useful feedback,” said Mr. Dubé.
The objective of the tour is to ensure that Canadians learn about the services that the Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman offers, and to hear comments that could help identify current or emerging service-related issues within the CRA that may have a negative impact on taxpayers, benefit recipients, or small businesses. “I look forward to working with taxpayers and the CRA in order to resolve conflicts and improve service,” added Mr. Dubé.
Subsequent visits are scheduled as follows, although dates are subject to change:
Montreal, Shawinigan: April 21–24, 2009
Halifax: May 4–8, 2009
For media information:
Rox-Anne D'Aoust
Public Affairs Advisor
Office of the Taxpayers' Ombudsman
Telephone: 613-941-6244
Cell: 613-219-1474
roxanne.daoust@taxpayersrights.gc.ca
More information, including Mr. Dubé's biography, can be found on the Taxpayers' Ombudsman website at www.taxpayersrights.gc.ca.
