New CRA-CPA Framework Agreement will strengthen collaboration on priority issues, including red tape reduction, service, and compliance
November 26, 2014 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canada Revenue Agency
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue, today announced the signing of a first-ever agreement with Canada’s chartered professional accountant community, signaling a new era of information and collaboration in improving tax administration in Canada and better serving Canada’s taxpayers.
The new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)-Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) Framework Agreement was formally signed by Andrew Treusch, Commissioner of Revenue and Chief Executive Officer of the CRA, and Kevin Dancey, President and CEO of the CPA, during the Financial Management Institute’s Professional Development Week, being held in Ottawa from November 25 to 28. The Framework Agreement recognizes the important relationship between the CRA and CPA Canada in the successful administration of Canada’s tax system, and promotes regular dialogue between the two organizations on tax-related matters of common interest. It will also ensure that input from Canada’s accounting professionals is considered as the CRA moves forward with its change agenda.
A central part of the Framework Agreement includes the creation of seven committees, each co-chaired by a senior representative from both the CRA and CPA Canada, to focus on seven priority areas:
- Services;
- Compliance;
- Tax Administration;
- Scientific Research and Experimental Development;
- Commodity Tax;
- Red Tape Reduction; and
- Training
The agreement is a key element in the CRA’s efforts to build strong relationships with the Canadian accounting community and tax service providers so that Canada continues to have a well-functioning and world-class tax system that benefits all Canadians.
Quick facts
- The Financial Management Institute brings together some 3,500 financial management professionals from the private and public sectors to stay abreast of evolving practices in the management of public resources.
- With the recent merger of all of professional accounting associations, CPA Canada now represents more than 190,000 members who play an important role in fostering tax compliance in Canada.
- Currently, over 80 percent of Canada’s professional accountants are merged under the CPA banner. (Source: Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada)
- The CRA now offers over 80 service options to tax professionals in its dedicated secure online portal, Represent a Client, and that number is growing every year.
Quotes
“Our Government is committed to the administration of a world-class tax system, and I am pleased that the CRA-CPA Canada Framework Agreement formalizes an important partnership. This agreement will help a clear path forward on how we will seek improvements to our tax system to better serve Canadian taxpayers”
The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P., Minister of National Revenue
“I am pleased to sign the CRA–CPA Canada Framework Agreement on behalf of our more than 190,000 members. This framework ensures that input from Canada’s accounting professionals is considered by the CRA as it continues to modernize its programs and services. Our profession looks forward to enhanced collaboration with CRA as we collectively focus on a fair and efficient tax system for Canada with the best interests of taxpayers the key priority.”
Kevin Dancey, President and CEO, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada
“FMI is pleased to host this historical signing at our PD week, the largest gathering of public sector financial managers in Canada. This event is made possible with the support of our members, our amazing volunteers and our long lasting partners such as CPA and CRA just to name a few. FMI is proud to be the voice of the government financial management community since 1962.”
Mathieu Langelier, Chief Executive Officer, Financial Management Institute of Canada
