The Canada Revenue Agency polled accountants and tax lawyers on whether to grant amnesty to scofflaws who confess to not paying their taxes. Internal research at the Agency acknowledged the idea was “contentious.”

“Most Canadians file and pay their taxes in full and on time and it is important the relief provided under the Voluntary Disclosures Program be fair and not reward individuals or corporations looking for a way to avoid paying their fair share of taxes,” said the Voluntary Disclosures Program Research.