The Canada Revenue Agency in Access To Information records scripted a Zoom call with employees by Liberal MP Peter Fragiskatos (London North Centre, Ont.), parliamentary secretary for revenue. Fragiskatos was instructed to tell a “very touching” anecdote about an auditor he never met and praise the Agency’s work.

“Hats off to all of you!” read the script of Fragiskatos’ appearance at a February 24, 2022 videoconference with employees. The occasion was billed as an “employee event for the launch of tax filing season.”

Both MP Fragiskatos and Revenue Commissioner Bob Hamilton were provided scripted questions and answers to avoid spontaneous remarks about the pandemic. “What lessons do you think the Agency learned?” Commissioner Hamilton was asked. “It showed us we could work better and faster,” he replied.