Canadian Views/Attitudes Towards the Sharing of Tax Information - Quantitative Phase

Prepared for the:
Public Affairs Branch
Canada Revenue Agency
FINAL REPORT
March 2009
POR# 402-07
Contract #46558-098981

Prepared by:
Corporate Research Associates

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Executive Summary

Corporate Research Associates Inc.
Contract Number: 46558-098981/001/CY
Date: 2008-02-01

Results of the Canadian Views/Attitudes toward the Sharing of Tax Information study indicate that support for the CRA sharing information with other federal government departments and provincial governments has increased over the past ten years. This is an important finding as it signifies that Canadians are now more receptive to the CRA moving forward with information sharing initiatives. Moreover, public opinion continues to be influenced by various considerations that potentially could be used by the CRA as rationales for such sharing of information. Support for information sharing rose notably when exposed to these considerations. Thus, overall, the survey data suggests that if Canadians were exposed to considerations explaining the benefits of information sharing, support for such sharing would potentially increase. Nonetheless, a sizable portion of the population remains uninfluenced by these considerations, and accordingly would be more difficult to persuade to adopt a positive opinion regarding information sharing.

Findings also indicate a slight increase in trust in the CRA, other federal government departments, as well as provincial governments, over the past ten years, regarding confidentiality and security of information, with most Canadians currently trusting these parties. There is also widespread recognition that sharing of information would achieve certain efficiencies. At the same time, many Canadians feel that the CRA would be overstepping its bounds by sharing more information than currently is the case. This somewhat contradictory finding perhaps suggests that Canadians are unwilling to give a blanket approval of information sharing, and would need to be assured of the context and purposes for which shared information would be used. That is, these somewhat conflicting findings may be indicative of a public that regards such fundamental issues with considerable pragmatism.

When examining certain scenarios which might validate information sharing, it is evident that there is strong support for information sharing when specifics are provided. In particular, there is support for information sharing in the face of serious criminal activity and for fair and proper administration of federal and provincial government programs, including ensuring only those who properly qualify for benefits receive them, alerting Canadians regarding their eligibility for government benefits, collecting debts, improving the effectiveness of tax and benefit programs, and ensuring compliance with tax laws.

Many Canadians are concerned about the government's handling of their personal information, even though most feel that the privacy laws offer protection in this regard. Indeed, most feel that there would be an increased risk of identity theft under a regimen of enhanced information sharing across departments. Canadians are divided with respect to the potential for mishandling of information and whether the federal government has too much information pertaining to individuals. Clearly there is opportunity to augment Canadians' confidence on this metric.

With respect to the potential impact of information sharing on Canadians completing their income tax returns, most respondents state that they would not change the way they complete their income tax return, with very few stating that their behaviour might change in a negative fashion through their withholding information, for example. Nonetheless, there is a public perception that such sharing of information could lead others to change the way they complete their income tax returns, including not filing one at all.

It is important to highlight certain key factors that most influence Canadians' overall opinions in regards to the CRA sharing information. Practicality and efficiency are clearly important, with the logic of collecting the information only once being the strongest contributor, and improved effectiveness and efficiency being another key influence. Fairness of the system is another opinion influencer, while ensuring compliance with tax laws, debt collection, notification of eligibility of benefits, and ensuring proper entitlement to benefits also found to be among the contributors to overall opinion regarding information sharing. This analysis suggests key features that could be emphasized when building public support for information sharing, but does not mean that these are the only features acceptable to the public. Indeed, there are many considerations related to information sharing that are acceptable to Canadians.

Finally, it is important to note some general demographic trends. While there is similarity across regions in many regards, Quebec residents are most positive with respect to information sharing and modestly less concerned about risks. Atlantic Canadians are somewhat more trusting and confident in the government, including the CRA, other federal departments, and provincial governments. Differences between rural and urban Canadians are few, although there is an indication that rural Canadians have slightly greater trust in the protection of their information. In terms of age differences, younger Canadians are clearly more supportive of information sharing, and are more likely to view it as useful for achieving efficiencies and for program administration. They are also more confident in the protection of information.

Date modified:

2009-06-02