News release

Revenue Minister reminds Canadians affected by forest fires about the Department's fairness provisions

OTTAWA, May 19, 1998...The Honourable Herb Dhaliwal, Minister of National Revenue and M.P. (Vancouver South - Burnaby), today reminded Canadians that Revenue Canada's fairness provisions will apply to those individuals who experience difficulties fulfilling their tax obligations because of forest fires in their area.

"Many people in Alberta and Northern Ontario are having to evacuate their homes and their communities because of the fires," said Mr. Dhaliwal. "The last thing they should be worrying about right now is meeting their tax obligations."

Revenue Canada's fairness provisions permit the Department to use a balanced and common-sense approach to assist Canadians in resolving problems that arise through no fault of their own. Individuals unable to file or make payments on time to Revenue Canada because of the forest fires, a circumstance clearly beyond their control, should provide a letter with their return or payment outlining the reasons for the delay.

Revenue Canada can then determine whether any penalties or interest will apply.

"As long as the timeframes involved are reasonable," said the Minister, "my Department will take their circumstances into account on a case-by-case basis."

-30-

23T/98