Montréal, Quebec, May 26, 2009... The Honourable Jean‑Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture and Agri-food), spoke to delegates of the Centre de rencontres et d'études des dirigeants des administrations fiscales (CREDAF) [centre for meetings and studies by tax administration leaders] at the opening of its 24th Symposium in Montréal, Quebec.
CREDAF's mission is to facilitate dialogue, cooperation and meetings of tax administration officials from countries that are totally or partially French‑speaking in order to share their experiences and discuss their ideas about problems related to the evolution of tax systems, and the organization and operation of tax administrations. CREDAF provides a collaborative opportunity with member countries that is consistent with Canada's foreign policy.
The Symposium's work will focus on the following theme, Le contentieux administratif et juridictionnel de l'impôt [Administrative and jurisdictional tax litigation.]
"I feel that the theme for the 2009 Symposium is especially appropriate since the Canadian government is committed to providing Canadians with a fair service in an open, transparent and publicly accountable system every time they deal with the CRA," said Minister Blackburn. "It is in this spirit and with these principles in mind that the Canadian government established the Taxpayers' Bill of Rights two years ago. At the same time, the newly appointed ombudsman allowed us to formalize a procedure for handling unresolved service complaints."
CREDAF is a non‑profit, non‑governmental association. It currently has 29 member countries. Represented by the CRA, Canada joined CREDAF in 1988 and is hosting this year's General Meeting and Annual Symposium, to be held May 25-28, 2009.
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