Taxpayers' Ombudsman to examine how the CRA integrates the Taxpayer Bill of Rights in its operations

OTTAWA, August 14, 2018 - Taxpayers' Ombudsman, Sherra Profit, is launching an examination to determine whether the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is effectively integrating the rights and values of the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TBR) in its activities, and on the CRA’s accountability and reporting regarding the integration of these rights in its service to taxpayers.

In 2007, the CRA introduced the TBR which sets out the rights taxpayers have, and the treatment they can expect, when dealing with the CRA. The CRA states the TBR “builds upon the [CRA’s] corporate values of professionalism, respect, integrity, and cooperation”. This examination will seek to identify gaps that may exist in the CRA ensuring its activities are reflective of the values and rights of the TBR, thereby contributing to the Government of Canada’s commitment to service excellence and an open and transparent government.

The Ombudsman has published, on her website, a copy of the memorandum to the Minister of National Revenue launching this systemic examination. This is being done to support greater awareness and transparency into the work being done by the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman.

Taxpayers who may have information relevant to ongoing examinations can contact the Office of the Taxpayers’ Ombudsman at 1‑866‑586-3839, file a complaint or send an email to Ombudsman@taxpayersrights.gc.ca.

The Taxpayers' Ombudsman may initiate a systemic examination when complaints or questions are raised about a service issue that may impact a large number of taxpayers or a segment of the population. Recommendations arising from these examinations are aimed at improving the service provided to taxpayers by the CRA.