NDP slams CRA closures

On Oct. 1, the Conservative government will close Canada Revenue Agency service counters in Sudbury and Thunder Bay—a move that will dramatically reduce assistance for Northern Ontarians looking for tax advice, said NDP MP John Rafferty (Thunder Bay-Rainy River).
“Once again, Canadians are paying the price for the Conservatives’ bad decisions,” said Rafferty.

“Canada Revenue Agency service counters are an important local service for many people in the region, especially those who don’t have Internet access and need direct assistance,” he added.
“Many local businesses also rely on these services,” noted Rafferty.
Following major Conservative cuts to federal headquarters, 28 regional Canada Revenue Agency counters will close their doors on Oct. 1.
By next year, only approximately 21 offices will remain. The rash of closures will mean workers looking to improve their job skills and taxpayers with questions about their tax returns will have fewer avenues to receive assistance.
“The Conservatives’ only economic development plan is to put people out of work and cut services,” said Rafferty.
“What Canadians want to see is action on job creation, not blind cuts to the services they rely on,” he added.