PARLIAMENT HILL – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, today introduced a Private Member’s Bill to tackle the problem of delinquent parents, who have a legal obligation to make child support payments, but have failed to make such payments, despite court orders due to Section 241 of the Income Tax Act.

"This is an issue which has been raised in my riding by single parents who continue to struggle to receive child support payments they are entitled to by delinquent parents, who have a legal obligation to provide such support,” stated Tilson when asked for comment.

 Currently, Section 241 of the Income Tax Act prevents the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) from producing Notices of Assessment which are used to determine the amount of support owed by the delinquent parent, despite court orders to provide such information. The proposed amendment would allow CRA to produce notices of assessment for at least the three most recent years to the person who is owed support when a court order has been issued. Furthermore, the notices of assessment would identify the whereabouts of the delinquent parent.

“My Private Member’s Bill will ensure that delinquent parents can no longer evade their responsibilities by hiding behind a provision in the Income Tax Act. It is the right thing to do for children and responsible parents who are rightfully entitled to this support.”