Because I posted the reply from the NDP via Murray Rankin in its own thread, I am doing the same with the Liberal Reply Trudeau of June 25.
Dear Ms. Swanson:
Thank you for taking the time to write to me with your concerns regarding the Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA).
The safeguarding of personal privacy has become an increasingly important issue to all Canadians. The government’s move to ensure that information is reported to the U.S. through Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and not directly from the banks was a positive step; however, the implications of having the CRA report to a foreign government about Canadian citizens are still troublesome. The Liberal Party of Canada believes that the Conservative government’s efforts to safeguard the personal privacy of Canadians have been inadequate.
While the United States has the right to target tax evaders using offshore accounts, targeting hard working Canadians who pay taxes is unfair. The government of Canada has a responsibility to stand up for its citizens when foreign governments are encroaching on their rights. We believe that the deal reached between Canada and the U.S. is insufficient to protect affected Canadians.
Thank you once again for writing to me; I always appreciate it when Canadians take the time to share their concerns with me. It is through such exchanges of ideas and opinions that I can best represent not only my constituents, but all Canadians.
Sincerely
Justin J.P. Trudeau
While there is definitely a difference in tone between the responses from the Liberals and NDP the goal remains the same ABC ABC ABC Anybody But Conservative. So if you are in a riding within a Liberal candidate that is stronger than the NDP candidate(especially a Liberal incumbent) don’t go off and vote NDP(and split the vote letting the Conservatives win). Take a few minutes to find out who the actual candidates are in your riding and who is the strongest opposition candidate to the Conservatives. In a riding such as University Rosedale, Chrystia Freeland(whom we have discussed many times) is clearly the strongest non Conservative candidate while in Ottawa Centre the NDP is stronger than the Liberals.
**It goes without mention this is also true of Elizabeth May’s riding in Saanich, BC but polling indicates her constituents are well aware of the necessity to vote ABC and as such the NDP and Liberals are polling in the low single digits against Elizabeth May.
***Even at this late hour I would still accept a genuine change in position by the Conservatives(whatever my feelings are about the Cons on issues unrelated to FATCA). I have a feeling there a position change by the Conservatives though is very unlikely. I still think it is important for Sandbox, Brock, and ADCS to try to remain as non partisan as possible.
Sorry, Tim, I do feel that I can voice my opinion. And, of course it is only my opinion, and as such, isn’t worth that much as I have no insight, political power or affiliations or knowledge. It’s just little old worker bee me trying to get through my life and save for my retirement. I’m also a scared Canadian. Lynne may differ from me, I don’t really know, but I’m going to call it as I see it. Anyone is welcome to disagree with my opinions, of course, and as we’ve seen in the past, it’s the back and forth on those differences and disagreements that often brings out the most thoughtful ideas.
@Tim: Isn’t advocating ABC being partisan?
I agree with Outraged. I hope people will feel free to express their political opinions during an election campaign–and especially to share what they learn about FATCA.
I posted the full Liberal and NDP responses with no comment of my own in the posts. People can draw their own conclusions from the responses.
In my email this morning, a reply from the Liberals (I had sent an email to Justin Trudeau, Scott Brison and my Calgary Confederation candidate, Matt Grant).
Nathaniel Finestone (Liberal / Assistance)
Sep 11, 09:54
Dear Carol,
Thank you for taking the time to write to us regarding these important issues.
As you are clearly aware in February of 2014 the Government of Canada entered into an intergovernmental agreement with the U.S. regarding FATCA requirements, while the US has the right to target tax evaders using offshore accounts, the Liberal Party of Canada believes targeting hard working Canadians who pay taxes is unfair.
Before the agreement which came into effect on July 1, the Liberal Party of Canada raised the issue in Question Period, pressing the Conservative government to do the right thing for Canadians. We believe that the Government of Canada should stand up for honest, hardworking people who have been caught up by overly complex American tax rules. They are not tax cheats and we encouraged Stephen Harper to stand up for them.
We also have concerns that the agreement reached with the U.S. may not stand up to a Constitutional challenge given that it forces the banks to treat clients differently based on their national origin, something forbidden by Section 15 of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
The Government of Canada has a responsibility to stand up for its citizens when foreign governments are encroaching on their rights. The deal reached between the Government and the U.S. is insufficient to protect affected Canadians. Liberals believe then Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird should have asked the U.S. for amnesty against penalties as the IRS’s Foreign Bank Account Reporting requirements were not adequately communicated to dual-citizens living in Canada. In addition, we encouraged Finance Minister Joe Oliver to work to amend the agreement so that the IRS would not tax savings vehicles such as TFSAs and RESPs. We were pleased to learn these registered plans have since been exempted from reporting by the banks but continue to worry that the IRS may view them as taxable when dual citizens file their returns.
Regarding the issue of bill c-24 a Liberal government will end the Conservative decade of failure, and restore fairness to Canada’s immigration system.
We will repeal the Harper Conservatives’ divisive Bill C-24, which devalues Canadian citizenship by creating two classes of citizenship, while maintaining the provisions for “Lost Canadians”. Liberals will also guarantee that all Canadians’ fundamental rights are respected as guided by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
While Harper and Mulcair play the politics of division and fear, and Harper claims things cannot be better, Canadians know that better is always possible. No party has been clearer on these issues than the Liberal Party. We will ensure a more equal society, with more opportunities for all Canadians.
You asked what Justin Trudeau is willing to pledge. He is willing to pledge to fight as hard as he can for the interests of all Canadians, not just a certain privileged few. Canadians are ready for change—change that will bring this country together.
To learn more and to share your ideas, please visit us at RealChange.ca.
Thank you again for writing.
Kind regards,
Nathaniel Finestone
Liberal Party of Canada
Stephen has received a reply to communications from Justin Trudeau. He posted it in the Donation thread, but I’m posting it here so it does not get lost when Stephen updates that thread.