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441-01664 (Taxation)
PETITION TO THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA
WHEREAS:
- The Canada Revenue Agency does not recognize the separation of a couple if the two former partners maintain the same residential address, even if the two are otherwise financially independent of one another, which can affect benefit eligibility; and
- In today's housing market, Canadians are being forced to be creative when it comes to finding adequate living arrangements, with some having no choice but to reside in their former partner's home.
THEREFORE:
We, the undersigned citizens and permanent residents of Canada, call on the Minister of National Revenue to direct her department to modernize its definition of a common-law partnership to recognize that some former couples may remain at the same residence due to the high cost of housing.
Response by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): The Honourable Chrystia Freeland
Eligibility for tax measures and benefits delivered through the tax system, like the Canada Child Benefit and the Goods and Services Tax Credit, depends on different factors, including in many cases whether an individual is married, in a common-law relationship or separated/divorced. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), which is responsible for administering the Income Tax Act (ITA), including the definition of a common-law partner in the ITA, considers that it is possible for separated individuals to live separate and apart for income tax and benefit purposes, while still occupying the same residence. Whether individuals live separate and apart is a question of fact that is determined by the CRA on a case-by-case basis.
- Presented to the House of Commons
-
Brad Vis
(Mission—Matsqui—Fraser Canyon)
September 26, 2023 (Petition No. 441-01664) - Government response tabled
- November 9, 2023
Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.