(March 30 – 16:10 ET) – The Ministry of Finance has released its statement of plans and priorities for 2000-2001.
Among the ministry’s top priorities is achieving a “competitive and secure financial services sector”. Within that broad mandate Finance plans to focus on bringing in a new policy framework for industry regulation that was outlined in last year’s white paper. C
It will also consider any proposed acquisitions in the industry. It is developing a new regime for increased competition from foreign banks. Also on the agenda: bringing in the solicitor-general’s proposed new anti-money-laundering legislation, including establishing a new agency to collect mandatory suspicious transaction reports.
Its tax priorities are focused on cutting taxes. Personal income tax relief is top priority. Finance also claims to be, “improving the fairness and neutrality of Canada’s corporate tax system and ensuring that it remains internationally competitive.
-IE Staff