Saint John, New Brunswick, December 10, 2008…The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and WorkSafeNB (formerly the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) have entered into an information-sharing agreement through a Memorandum of Understanding. The agreement allows the organizations to share employer registration information, helping them identify employers who may be registered with one organization, but not the other. The information will also be used to determine if an employer should be paying both assessment premiums to WorkSafeNB as well as income tax and harmonized sales tax to the CRA.
William V. Baker, Commissioner of the Canada Revenue Agency, emphasized the importance of maintaining a level competitive field for businesses and of ensuring employers and workers are well protected against workplace injuries.
“It’s essential that every business pays its fair share towards government programs and services. The Canada Revenue Agency believes in using responsible enforcement to ensure everyone contributes equally,” Baker said.
“New Brunswick businesses need to know that their competition is paying the same costs they are,” said Roberta Dugas, Chair of the WorkSafeNB Board of Directors. “Our stakeholders expect us to practise due diligence.”
Compliance with both organizations is mandatory for most employers. Discovering after the fact that an employer’s company should have been registered can create significant financial hardship. If employers are not registered, but should be, they may be charged backdated premiums and penalties.