Poilievre vows crackdown on offshore tax havens

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is promising to crackdown on wealthy individuals and corporations who avoid paying taxes, arguing that ordinary Canadians are left picking up the tab.

On Tuesday, Poilievre accused the Liberal government of letting billionaires and multinational companies hide funds abroad, while middle-class families are burdened with rising taxes and aggressive audits. 

Poilievre singled out former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, who reportedly stashed Brookfield funds in Bermuda, known as one of the world’s most prominent tax havens.

“In Carney’s Canada, there’s a two-tier tax code: one for the rich like him, and one for everyone else,” said Poilievre. 

“While you're double-checking your tax return to avoid a penalty, Carney and his friends dodge theirs and then tax you more to make up the difference.”

Poilievre claimed Carney advised Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to raise taxes on average Canadians, all while sheltering company profits offshore. 

Poilievre argued this shows a system skewed in favour of Liberal insiders and corporate elites.

He pledged that a Poilievre government would end what he calls “Carney’s two-tier tax system” and ensure all Canadians, including the ultra-wealthy, pay their fair share. 

Key proposals include closing offshore tax loopholes, redirecting Canada Revenue Agency resources toward investigating suspected overseas tax cheats, and exposing corporations that refuse to pay taxes.

Poilievre also announced plans to expand the Offshore Tax Informant Program, offering whistleblowers up to 20% of any recovered funds. 

He expects these measures would collect at least $1 billion more each year from those hiding money abroad.

“After the Lost Liberal Decade, Canadians earn less, are taxed more, and pay higher prices for everything. But well-connected Liberal insiders like Mark Carney have never had it so good,” said Poilievre. 

"It’s time to flip the script. My new Conservative Government will put hard-working Canadians First—For a Change, letting them keep more of what they earn, while cracking down on offshore tax havens for rich insiders.