Hydro-Québec – Federal Court refuses to permit CRA to require Hydro-Quebec to furnish information on its commercial customers

The Minister sought judicial authorization under ITA s. 231.2(3) and ETA s. 289(3) for making a demand of Hydro-Quebec to furnish listed particulars (e.g., address for invoicing and of electricity use, late payment identification and telephone number) for all its commercial customers who were charged the regular electricity rate – so that CRA could compare this information with what it had in its own files.

Roy J declined authorization. First, he did not think that all the regular commercial customers of a utility was an “ascertainable group” as contemplated in s. 231.2(3)(a), as the defining characteristics had no discernable link to compliance with the ITA and ETA. While they were at it, why not define group members as any resident of Quebec?

In finding that the request also did not satisfy the s. 231.2(3)(b) requirement that it be “made to verify compliance,” he stated:

The particulars of the commercial customers of Hydro-Quebec are, at best, upstream from information for the audit of their compliance with the ITA.

Finally, he indicated that even if the specific s. 231.2 (and ETA) requirements had been met, he would have rejected the Minister’s submission that once such conditions were satisfied, the Court was required to issue an authorization - and have exercised his discretion against such an "intrusion in private life." He stated:

A certain form of fishing expedition is permitted, but judicial authorization, with its inherent discretion, is there to limit and temper it. To me this seems essential where a fishing expedition is of unparalleled amplitude and the requested information is remote from an audit of compliance with the Act.

Neal Armstrong. Summary of Canada (National Revenue) v. Hydro-Québec, 2018 CF 622 under s. 231.2(3).