The Globe and Mail reports that the players at the current G20, when not posturing about the coming US war on Syria, have agreed to share tax information.
Why?
Well, we know why. Tax cheats! They are everywhere.
One positive in the article is that it mentioned FATCA and the privacy concerns Canada has about it.
Atticus, I hope you sleep better tonight!
take good care Atticus and WhiteKat
The Jim Flaherty announcement was quite harmless: a 3 year freeze on Employment Insurance premiums. He made it at the camping trailer dealership because its meant to help small businesses.
Flaherty’s comments about FATCA can be seen starting at about 4;25
http://www.ctvnews.ca/business/flaherty-announces-3-year-freeze-in-ei-premiums-1.1446387
Flaherty said he has” expressed a lot of concerns about FATCA… and we have made some progress.”
He also said “We want to avoid any disadvantages to persons who happen to be citizens of both countries”
Does anybody have an idea who it was that asked Flaherty about FATCA? He did not identify himself as far as I could tell.
@All, @Hazy re: your question about the reporter
Atticus and I were waiting outside Ottawa Camping Trailers, signs in hand as Flaherty and others arrived. A reporter from (i think) globe and mail asked us a lot of questions. He was the one who after speaking with us went in and asked Flaherty about FATCA. As the reporter was leaving he rolled down his window and told us that Flaherty said something would be announced soon (about FATCA) and that Flaherty was very concerned about it.
A cameraman from Global (I think…lol…we were a little excited so may have missed some details) filmed us and said congratulations afterwards. We took this to mean we would be on the news….not sure which station. If someone sees anything, let us know. I don’t have cable TV.
We had lots of positive honks from cars going by, and a few people that attended the announcement came out to talk to us about FATCA.
An RCMP officer showed up shortly after we did, and kept us company the whole time. He said he got the call to come over 10 minutes before he got there, so got the feeling we were the reason. He asked A LOT of questions: our names, where we were parked, the name of our website…etc. He was smooth about it though. It wasn’t until afterwards that we realized over the course of an hour or so just how many questions he actually asked while engaging in conversation with us.
Anyway, that is a quick update for you. Atticus will probably have something to add when she gets back home after her train ride.
@whitekat, atticusincanada
That is so utterly AWESOME! Did you hand out any leaflets? Thank you for making the effort to go!
A few leaflets….to the reporter, a worker from the Ottawa Camping Trailer business, the RCMP officer, and a couple other attendees of the announcement.
Our signs got a lot of attention from passing traffic though…a lot of encouraging honks.
What did the signs say? What info did the leaflets include?
@whitekat, atticusincanada, That is Fantastic, Great!!
Mine said: FATCA: Sequel to the War of 1812
and on the other side said: FATCA = Extortion By USA Of All Canadians
Atticus’s said: US Bulling violates Canadian Charter. Stop FATCA
and on other side said: Google isaacbrocksociety.ca
Leaflets had the suggested text from Calgary411 posted on this thread a couple days ago.
@ White Kat and Atticus,
Super! Great choice of slogans. Sounds like you had a very effective presence at the event. Thanks!
Excellent leaflet choice. Pleased you used my sign suggestion 🙂 !
I can’t wait til we can do something similar in Vancouver. You are both a HUGE inspiration!
After hearing Flaherty on CTV, I am not so sure. What’s this about ‘individuals having to take care of their own financial affairs’….sounds like he wont be protecting US born Canadians from being forced to file US tax returns regardless if the dont earn there and dont live there.
Wondering if the reporter insisted on you giving your names.
He asked, but did not insist.
Thank you WhiteKat and Atticus. You did us proud. Was it me or did anyone else get the impression from Flaherty’s face that FATCA is a painful topic for him? I wonder if he feels like speaking to those treasury folks is like speaking to a brick wall. Remember, if they give Canada “concessions” other countries who have foolishly signed on the dotted line will want the same and their FATCA chainmail vests will begin to unravel. Thank you to the mysterious reporter in shining armour who carried the FATCA question into the briefing. If it he was from the G&M I’ll soften my digs at its comments moderator, a bit. One more thing, exercise some caution when an RCMP or any other type of officer asks a lot of questions in a friendly sounding manner. This sounds like a TSA airport tactic. Don’t reveal your personal details but absolutely educate them, whenever possible, about the injustice of US CBT and FATCA. Again, WhiteKat and Atticus — We’re proud of you!
I believe you ladies are responsible for Canada’s first FATCA protest rally 🙂
Dear whitekat,
Thanks for your and Atticus’ mini-demonstration. You did great — appreciate the quick summary of your experience!!! We were all waiting to see how it went.
I hope there is a shot of you and your signs — even if not, it has already been on CTV what Flaherty said in response to the FATCA questions that were, obviously!, prompted by your conversation with the reporter. Wonderful that you had people supporting your actions with horn honking!
I’m glad David Querbach’s great information and queries could be put to use — putting other Canadians into our shoes to perhaps realize what it feels like.
Now if only we knew the Canadian government definition of BEFORE TOO LONG, as in “… we’ll have some news before too long on the issue.”
Thanks, thanks!!
A friend
@ WhiteKat
At first when I heard the individuals comment I was concerned too but then I thought if it means the Canadian government will not be a facilitator for the IRS, it could be a positive thing. OTOH, we’d really like the Canadian government to be proactive not passive in protecting our rights. Sheesh! In the end, too little said (Brockers always want more) and too much left open to speculation and second guessing. The Sword of Damocles still hangs over our heads.
@ WhiteKat and Atticus,
WOW – what a great way to grab an opportunity to get some press!!!
I believe this is the first general public mention of FATCA I have heard Flaherty make.
It was odd the reporter started his FATCA question by mentioning “…people who are married to an American…” As if this mostly affects people who are married to someone in America!
If you were not there it is likely that there would have been NO mention of FATCA – mission accomplished!
I absolutely agree with Wondering. Without WhiteKat and Atticus there would have been no FATCA presence at Flaherty’s press conference. Plus maybe that reporter is working on a story about this right now.
I wish someone would do the same thing in London! i’d love to join in.
Brockers rock!
Great job!
Wondering, perhaps the reporter is one of those “married to an Americans” Canadians? But even so, it’s a good way to emphasize that FATCA is not just an issue for duals or American PR’s but has consequences for those who are only Canadian as well but are being roped in by association.
If someone can get a video of this, it would be good to post here.
Atticus and White Kat, I would guess that you were being subtly question so they can do some investigating and get ready for more protesting. Not sure if that is good or bad.
BTW: anytime you speak with a reporter, get their name and contact info.
Reporters need to cultivate sources on issues and are usually happy for you to follow-up.