Question Period Note: CERB: INTERNAL REVIEW PROCESS (EMPLOYEE)

Over the summer there were media reports about CRA employees inappropriately claiming the CERB. What actions has the CRA taken to date to address this issue?

• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is strongly committed to protecting the integrity of Canada’s tax and benefit systems.

• The CRA takes any form of wrongdoing very seriously. When misconduct is identified, appropriate actions are taken to address it.

• An internal review process was launched by the CRA to identify any CRA employees who inappropriately claimed the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) while employed with the CRA.

• The CRA provided public updates on June 30, September 1, and December 20, 2023, and March 26, 2024. Out of the approximately 600 cases, as of March 15, 2024, 232 individuals are no longer with the CRA as a result of this internal review. The investigations and disciplinary processes are continuing.

• Any CRA employee who inappropriately claimed the CERB will be required to repay the amounts if they haven’t already done so.

• Reviews of CRA employees who inappropriately claimed the CERB while working at the CRA are being handled through the CRA’s existing internal investigation and disciplinary processes, and could lead to referrals to law enforcement if criminality is suspected.

• The actions of some in no way undermine the honesty and integrity of the thousands of CRA employees who work every day in an exemplary manner to serve Canadians.

Some CRA employees might be eligible for CERB:

• The CRA employs individuals with a variety of employment profiles; as such, individuals may have been eligible to receive the CERB at the time it was available. As of March 15, 2024, roughly 133 employees that are part of this review have been found to be eligible so far.

Not applicable (response lines only)

UPDATE TO THE JANUARY 25, 2024 QPR