QUESTION PERIOD — Finance
Canada Revenue Agency
October 29, 2024
Senator Gold, yesterday Canadians learned that the Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA, has been massively under-reporting privacy breaches that have paid out millions to scammers. The CRA previously told the Privacy Commissioner that 113 privacy breaches had occurred over the past four years. They now admit the real number is 31,000 — 113 to 31,000 — impacting 62,000 taxpayers. The Canada Revenue Agency, or CRA, also admitted it has authorized $190 million in payments connected to these breaches between 2020 and earlier this month.
Leader, this is absolutely not worth the cost. When did the NDP-Liberal government learn that the CRA hasn’t been telling Canadians the truth, and is that $190 million gone for good? Can you confirm that I did not previously give you this question?
I can confirm that you have never given me a question in advance, and I would be shocked if you would. That’s not your job.
My understanding is that in the current context — and the CBC broke the story — these were breaches not of the CRA, but of H&R Block, if I recall.
I’ve been informed that in the event of fraudulent use of personal data, the CRA — the agency — directly contacts the individuals targeted by the fraudsters and carries out close follow-ups to ensure monitoring and security of these accounts. Indeed, the government has been clear that combatting all forms of tax fraud is an important responsibility of the CRA.
The CRA is, unfortunately, a prime target for fraud attempts, and the security measures that are put in place are constantly reinforced to counter these attempts. I’ve been informed that processes and procedures are in place to quickly respond and mitigate threats to taxpayer information and taxpayer accounts.
We were all equally surprised that the CBC finally did their job.
When the Minister of National Revenue was asked about this yesterday in the other place, she said that the CRA’s systems are solid and robust.
How can this incompetent government say that with a straight face? Can you say that with a straight face given what we have learned?
Leader, has this fraud been referred to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police for investigation? Yes or no?
I’m not aware of what steps may have been taken or will be taken with regard to the breach that the CBC reported. Again, it’s important for Canadians to understand this was not a breach of the CRA’s security but rather of the tax advising company whose data was, in fact, breached.
