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[minister's message]

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is responsible for administering our tax system. Our government is committed to maintaining public confidence in the fairness and integrity of the tax system.

Since being appointed Minister of National Revenue, I have had the chance to travel across the country to meet CRA employees and taxpayers. I have been very impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication that the CRA invests in all aspects of its work with individuals, businesses, and government clients. I am proud to be Minister of an organization that plays such an important role in the lives of millions of Canadians.

Our government is committed to providing Canadians with more ways to save on taxes. The federal tax burden is now the lowest it has been in 50 years. Tax reduction measures like the Tax-Free Savings Account, the Family Caregiver Tax Credit, and the new First Time Donor's Super Credit help support families and communities across Canada.

Our government wants to make the public service more affordable, efficient, and sustainable. The CRA is making real progress in modernizing the way it delivers services to Canadians. In 2012-2013, the CRA has implemented reforms with a view to making filing and paying taxes easier and to ease the burden for businesses and government. Last year, the CRA introduced the My Business Account Enquiries Service, which allows businesses to ask tax questions and receive responses online. In addition, the CRA launched the Submit Documents service, a secure online method for taxpayers and their representatives to submit supporting documentation and receipts to the CRA.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to improve Canada's competitiveness by cutting red tape for small and medium-sized enterprises. Earlier this year, my predecessor received the Golden Scissors Award for cutting red tape and improving service for small businesses. Our efforts to maintain the CRA's reputation as a world-class tax administration are paying off. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' Paying Taxes 2013 report, Canada is still the easiest place to pay taxes in the G7 countries.

"Tax evasion, tax avoidance, and the use of tax havens hurt all Canadians, particularly those responsible citizens who meet their tax obligations and contribute their share. The CRA takes these issues very seriously." -- Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay

Tax evasion, aggressive tax avoidance, and the use of tax havens hurt all Canadians, particularly the responsible citizens who meet their tax obligations and contribute their share. Our government takes these issues very seriously. Budget 2013 contained a series of landmark measures to combat international tax evasion and aggressive tax planning, including an initiative to allow the CRA to pay individuals who have knowledge of major international tax non-compliance. In addition, Canadian taxpayers with foreign income or properties will have to report more detailed information to the CRA. These initiatives will increase the ability of the CRA to protect the integrity of Canada's tax system and pursue those who place an unfair burden on law-abiding Canadians.

2012-2013 was a landmark year for the CRA. More Canadians filed their taxes electronically than ever before. While more Canadians enjoyed the benefits of our fast and convenient online services, they were still able to file in the traditional fashion - on paper. I am proud to say that Canadians have more choice than before when it comes to filing taxes and receiving their benefits and tax refunds, and that our government is continuing to audit, investigate, and pursue cases of aggressive tax avoidance and international tax evasion.

As Minister of National Revenue, I am pleased to present the CRA's Annual Report 2012-2013 for tabling.

The Honourable Kerry-Lynne D. Findlay, P.C., Q.C., M.P.
Minister of National Revenue

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