Finance Minister Delivers Goods to Deserving Canadians

"The government has the fiscal room to manoeuvre and can afford to reducethe tax burden on all taxpayers," said Anthony Ariganello, CPA (DE), FCGA,President and Chief Executive Officer of CGA-Canada.

However, the tax system is still overly complex. "Targeted and piecemealtax cuts over time have made the tax system too complicated," said Ariganello."We need a fundamental review to make sure the tax system is fair, simple,efficient and competitive." A panel of experts should be appointed to bringinformed, independent advice to the government, he added.

In this respect, CGA-Canada welcomes the federal government's commitmentto work with the provinces to facilitate the transition towards a harmonizedsales tax in non-participating provinces. "A single wicket where sales tax canbe paid and administered will go a long way to reduce the compliance burden,"Ariganello commented. "Recent research demonstrated harmonization stimulatedinvestments in the Atlantic provinces."

In its pre-budget submission, Paving the Way to Prosperity: Its Time forReal Tax Reform, CGA-Canada recommends a four-point plan to build a moreprosperous and competitive nation. CGA-Canada spells out concrete measures thegovernment can adopt to reform the tax system, eliminate interprovincial tradebarriers, capitalize on Canada's knowledge advantage and provide support toSMEs and entrepreneurs in Canada.

CGA-Canada looks forward to working with the federal government as itprepares Budget 2008.

CGA-Canada's pre-budget submission can be read at .

About CGA-Canada

CGA is the fastest-growing accounting designation in Canada. The CGAdesignation focuses on integrity, ethics and the highest educationrequirements. Recognized as the country's accounting business leaders, CGAsprovide strategic counsel, financial leadership, and overall direction to allsectors of the Canadian economy.

The Association sets standards, develops education programs, publishesprofessional materials, advocates on public policy issues, and represents CGAsnationally and internationally. The Certified General Accountants Associationof Canada represents 68,000 CGAs and students in Canada, Bermuda, theCaribbean, Hong Kong and China.

For further information

Taylore Ashlie, Director, Communications,CGA-Canada Telephone: (604) 605-5055, Cell: (604) 307-0212, Email: