Federal ministers keep mum about Paradise Papers

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Federal cabinet ministers were largely keeping quiet today, after a massive dump of leaked documents reveal more than 3,000 wealthy Canadian individuals or companies are using offshore tax havens.

Names on the list from the so-called Paradise Papers include some people in politics, such as the former and current chief fundraisers for the Liberal party, as well as former Prime Ministers Paul Martin, Jean Chretien, and Brian Mulroney.

In french, one minister spoke of the need for everyone to pay their fair share.

But aside from that quick comment, many ministers stayed silent on the issue ahead of a meeting, including Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

When asked by reporters about the Paradise Papers today, Morneau simply said, ‘Good morning.’ He did not respond when he was asked whether he will take action to close the tax havens.

The Canada Revenue agency says it will review the new documents and take appropriate action if warranted.

Tax-avoidance measures involving offshore trusts are legal, provided certain rules are followed. So far, there has been no finding of any wrongdoing by any of the people on the list.

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