The Minister of National Revenue waives reporting requirements under Bill C-377
News Release | GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
December 19, 2016 Ottawa, ON Canada Revenue Agency
The Government of Canada believes that our labour laws should reflect the important role that unions play in protecting the rights of workers and helping the middle class grow and prosper.
Today, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, announced she has waived reporting requirements for labour organizations and labour trusts, arising from Bill C-377, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (requirements for labour organizations), for fiscal periods starting in 2017.
Bill C-377, which came into force on December 30, 2015, requires labour organizations and labour trusts to file reports with the Minister of National Revenue disclosing, among other things, detailed financial information as well as information on political, lobbying and other non-labour relations activities. Repealing Bill C-377was identified as a priority in the mandate letter for the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour. On January 28, 2016, the government tabled Bill C-4 to repeal the reporting requirements introduced by Bill C-377; Bill C-4 is currently at second reading in the Senate.
Waiving Bill C-377 reporting requirements provides a fair and balanced approach to organized labour by freeing them of additional administrative tasks. While the process to remove these reporting requirements is underway, this waiver ensures that unions and other stakeholders affected by the Bill will not be required to develop and submit detailed tracking of their activities to the Canada Revenue Agency for these fiscal periods.
Quick facts
- The Minister of National Revenue has the authority under subsection 220(2.1) of the Income Tax Act to waive the reporting requirements.
- Last year, the Minister waived the reporting requirement for fiscal periods starting on December 31, 2015 and through 2016.
- Legislation is already in place to ensure that unions make financial information available. Section 110 of the Canada Labour Code requires unions (as well as employers’ organizations) to provide financial statements to their members upon request and free of charge. Similar provisions exist in many provincial labour relations laws.
Quotes
“To avoid imposing an unnecessary burden on labour organizations, the Government of Canada will establish a more fair and balanced approach. Our government acknowledges and appreciates the value that the labour movement brings by advocating for working Canadians.”
– The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue
“The Government of Canada supports fair and balanced labour relations. Repealing Bill C-377 is an important step in fulfilling our promise to restore the balance between unions and employers across this country. We are committed to putting forward legislation that strengthens the relationship between Canadian workers, unions and employers, and repealing the changes made by Bill C-377 is an example of this commitment.”
– The Honourable MaryAnn Mihychuk, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour