It doesn't look like Pat Carney or other Canadians whose private tax information fell victim to a major privacy breach will be getting an apology from Revenue Minister Kerry-Lynne Findlay anytime soon.
Last fall, detailed tax information of hundreds of Canadians, including several prominent people such as author Margaret Atwood, former prime minister Jean Chrétien and former Conservative cabinet minister and senator Pat Carney, were sent in electronic format by the Canada Revenue Agency to the CBC.
It was done in error as the CBC had requested other information, but somehow got personal tax information covering the years 2008 to 2013.
Findlay, MP for Delta-Richmond East, confirmed the privacy breach to the House of Commons, saying the department reported it to the privacy commissioner. The government also attempted to reach the individuals affected.
In a special editorial in the Globe and Mail last month, a clearly incensed Carney wrote, "Ironically, the day I received the letter was also the deadline for a CRA demand
that I must pay back taxes on 2013 income for failure to supply the CRA with the very information that the CRA's boss admits was 'accidentally mailed' to the CBC.
"I did not make this up. I am just trying to figure it out."
Carney noted it's the second time she's had to deal with the revenue agency breaking privacy laws.
She added that Findlay did not apologize to those whose confidential tax information was released.
Carney also suggested Findlay take responsibility and resign.
Asked for comment, a spokesperson at Findlay's office said the minister can't comment on specific cases due to provisions of the Income Tax Act.
The only comment offered was what she had previously said in
the House of Commons: "This privacy breach, resulting from human error, is completely unacceptable and we are taking it extremely seriously. The privacy commissioner was notified of this breach, and at my request, the CRA launched an internal investigation into the breach and its security protocols. Following the conclusion of the internal investigation, if required, the CRA will take any and all remedial action - including disciplinary measures."
