News release

National Revenue Minister advances relationships with his European counterparts

Berlin, Germany, January 8, 2010 ... The Honourable Jean-Pierre Blackburn, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food) today wrapped up a series of meeting with counterparts from the United Kingdom, France, and Germany. The meetings with members of the Seven Country Working Group on Tax Havens were held to further advance co-operation between Canada and its international partners on addressing tax evasion and aggressive international tax planning.

"This week's discussions will contribute to strengthening Canada's current working relationships with important tax administration allies," said Minister Blackburn. "During our meetings with senior tax administration officials, we were able to highlight the progress of our respective governments' efforts to promote fairness and compliance around the world."

On January 6, Minister Blackburn met his tax administration counterpart in London, the Right Honourable Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury, United Kingdom. The two reaffirmed their commitment to co-operate and work together to strengthen their respective international audit and compliance programs related to international aggressive tax planning.

In Paris on January 7, Minister Blackburn met with the French Minister of the Budget, Public Accounts, the Civil Service and State Reform, Éric Woerth. Both ministers agreed that information is a powerful weapon against tax evasion and international tax avoidance. They pledged to continue strengthening their collaboration and information exchange.

The series of meetings ended today with a meeting between Minister Blackburn and Germany's Minister of Finance, Mr. Wolfgang Schäuble. Both men reaffirmed their commitment to combating international tax planning schemes, specifically as members of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, the Leeds Castle Group, and the Seven Country Tax Haven Working Group.

"Close collaboration among the partners of the Seven Country Working Group on Tax Havens is crucial" said Minister Blackburn. "The exchange of information is our best weapon. We will continue to work together to improve our use of information and build on global momentum to make using bank secrecy for tax evasion and avoidance, a thing of the past."

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