News release

Revenue Canada assists Canadians hit by ice storm

OTTAWA, January 14, 1998...The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver South - Burnaby), today announced that his Department is continuing to take every measure to assist Canadians affected by the ice storm that hit parts of eastern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.

"It is important for affected Canadians to first deal with their basic needs," Minister Dhaliwal said. "Coping with personal situations must be the priority during times like these."

As in past situations involving natural disasters, Revenue Canada is taking a number of tax and customs measures to ensure that Canadians in the hardest hit areas can concentrate on re-establishing their normal activity as soon as possible. "Revenue Canada recognizes the ice storm has created a very difficult situation for many Canadians in this part of the country," Minister Dhaliwal added.

"We will make every effort to ensure that no additional hardship is created for those Canadians unable to meet their tax obligations on time as a result of circumstances beyond their control."

Efforts continue at Canada's border crossings to ensure the speedy entry of emergency goods, particularly generators, as well as emergency personnel to storm-ravaged areas. Under circumstances such as those confronting parts of eastern Canada, the Department allows for quick, temporary admission of goods and people to assist in restoring services. Since the emergency began, ports of entry have cleared a significant amount of emergency goods and a large number of emergency personnel, particularly from U.S.-based utilities.

Customs officers have also been quickly clearing commercial importations by requiring a minimum of paperwork from importers. After the emergency has passed, the Department will work with companies to collect the required duties and taxes. But in the meantime, Revenue Canada simply needs to be able to identify the importer and an address in order to allow goods to enter the country.

"We are getting things through as quickly and as efficiently as we can," Minister Dhaliwal said. "We are committed to ensuring that the border doesn't become a barrier to Canadians in need."

If Canadians affected by the storm have any questions or concerns regarding customs, trade administration or tax matters, they should call Revenue Canada's toll-free help line at 1 800 661-6121.

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