The Minister’s Underground Economy Advisory Committee

In November 2014, the Minister of National Revenue launched the Underground Economy (UE) Advisory Committee. This committee is a key initiative in the Canada Revenue Agency’s strategy to combat the UE. The committee serves as an important source of industry information and as a sounding board for the Minister and CRA officials in their fight against the UE.

Mandate

The Underground Economy (UE) Advisory Committee gives advice on actions the CRA can take to reduce participation in the UE and, when appropriate, helps communicate key messages.

The Advisory Committee is consultative, not a decision-making body. The focus of the committee is to give advice, input, and feedback on the CRA’s UE strategies and activities, as well as on current and emerging UE issues. Any member recommendations for possible legislative or policy improvements are referred to the Department of Finance Canada.

Governance

The Minister of National Revenue sits as chair of the Advisory Committee. The minister may appoint a delegate as chair.

The minister invites key stakeholder organizations to participate in the Advisory Committee. The organizations determine who participates.

As secretariat to the Advisory Committee, the CRA plans and coordinates meetings, prepares agendas, and circulates the records of discussion.

All members of the Advisory Committee commit to working together to foster a long-term, enhanced relationship that will contribute to meeting their mandate.