Anthony: From the Ice Rink to Numbers

As a Canadian kid growing up in Quebec, Anthony's first real dream was to be in the NHL. As with most kids, this dream didn’t happen. Fortunately Anthony had another passion.

“Whether it be sports or engineering, numbers always intrigued me,” says Anthony, currently a Liaison Officer (LO) with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). “My grandparents worked in construction and that inspired me to pursue engineering. But I didn’t like it. So, I followed a cousin into accounting, got that degree and decided that I would really like to work for the CRA!”

Anthony spent time at Statistics Canada and Elections Canada, while trying to get a position at the Agency. When he finally got a call, he didn’t understand the role they were offering him.

“They described the LO service, and I didn’t get it! You’re really helping people for free and just giving advice?” Anthony laughs. “They said we put ourselves in the taxpayer’s shoes. We’re actually here to help. All we ask is for 60 minutes of your time so that we can get to know your business and how to help you best. I thought that was really weird at first! I always thought you would only hear from the CRA if things weren’t going well.”

Liaison Officers support small businesses and self-employed individuals by helping them accurately file their returns for income tax and GST/HST. They also help business owners avoid and correct common errors, providing tools, information, and support to manage their tax matters correctly from the start.

In his role as an LO, Anthony discovered his true passion: helping people with their tax responsibilities. “We speak with small business owners on a day-to-day basis. It’s nice to see how different business owners think and how different businesses operate,” he says.

Approaching his work with empathy and understanding, Anthony often finds that business owners are initially scared when contacted by the CRA. “Usually, business owners are a bit nervous at first, but once they realize it’s a free service designed to help them, they start to see the value we offer,” he explains. His dedication to helping business owners changes their fears into gratitude.

Anthony emphasizes the importance of business owners advocating for themselves. “It's like when you're on a hockey team. Yes, you have a coach, but only you know your situation, right? So, if something's bothering you or you're not sure, well, you have to speak with your coach. You have to speak with your general manager. You should speak with your teammates”. He encourages business owners to ask questions and seek advice to make informed decisions about their businesses.

Reflecting on his journey, Anthony shares various success stories where his advice has made a significant impact. “The feeling when you have a great visit... those presentations are ones where you think, OK, the taxpayer really learned something today.”

The moments that matter most to Anthony are when he sees relief and appreciation from business owners who have gained clarity on their tax obligations. “I've never had a taxpayer after the meeting say, 'Oh, I just wasted my time. I didn't learn anything.' Usually, it's the complete opposite,” he says.

Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear. From aspiring NHL player to trusted CRA Liaison Officer, his journey is marked by a commitment to education and a passion for helping others. “Helping people understand their tax obligations through education rather than enforcement is what makes this job rewarding. We really are putting people first.”