September 15, 2006

The Honourable Carol Skelton
Minister of National Revenue
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario   K1A 0A6

 Dear Minister,

 I recently received a letter from Ian Gray, Director of the Winnipeg Tax Centre, indicating that the public services counter at the taxation centre on Stapon Road will be discontinued indefinitely effective October 10^th.  This closure represents a troubling reduction of services by Revenue Canada for the residents of Elmwood, East Kildonan and Transcona, as well as a reduction of service to all Manitobans.

Since it first became apparent that it was CRA’s intention to terminate these services, I have worked with CRA employee’s, their union and constituents who have shown an interest in this issue, to try to convince successive Liberal and Conservative ministers that the public counters are of great value to the tax-paying public.  As well, in April last year I joined my NDP colleagues and workers from the taxation centre at a protest action to express my strong opposition to this decision.

As of last year, 7% of all income tax, or over $2 billion, was paid at CRA public service counters across the country. Long line-ups each year in April at the Stapon road facility further demonstrates that many residents have come to rely on this service, especially during “tax-crunch” time when obtaining information in a timely manner is crucial, and making an appointment may be impractical.    Many residents have also complained to me that service from CRA over the phone during this time is insufficient, and that face-to-face service is the only way to get definitive and timely answers to their questions.  I believe that taking this option away will affect all citizens; but I fear seniors, low-income families and new Canadians will be affected most. 

I have heard from many constituents on this issue and expect to hear from many more when those people who use the service realize it is no longer available in the next tax season.  Public services are there to serve the public, and I believe that government should be looking at adding services for citizens rather than taking them away.

I find it ironic that a department whose slogan is “more ways to serve you” is cutting these important services. I call on the government to reconsider its decision to discontinue this essential service.

                                                                                                               Sincerely,

                                                                                                               Bill Blaikie, MP

                                                                                                               Elmwood-Transcona