P.E.I. Opposition seeks assurances over tax centre jobs

The Official Opposition raised concerns Tuesday about changes coming to the Summerside Tax Centre, seeking assurances from government that no jobs will be lost.

Last week the Canada Revenue Agency announced 182 relocation letters were given to permanent full-time staff in Summerside, explaining the work those employees do now will no longer be done at the centre.

• Changes coming to CRA tax centres as agency moves to 'streamline processing'
• 182 employees at Summerside CRA office receive relocation letters

In an email, a spokeperson said "While this renewal will result in a number of affected positions, including term positions, it is expected that amajorityof employees will either retain their jobs, be offered a different job, or be offered a relocation opportunity."

At the same time, the CRA said it was creating 70 new full-time positions at the centre, which currently employs approximately 900 people.

MLA quotes MP, assuring no jobs will be lost

"Have you had any conversations with the federal government or our four MPs over plans announced last week that could result in significant job losses at the tax centre in P.E.I.?" asked Opposition Leader Jamie Fox during question period Tuesday.

Workforce and Advance Learning Minister Richard Brown said he had indeed been in contact with the Liberal MP for Egmont, Bobby Morrissey.

"Mr. Morrissey has indicated to me he has spoken to the department," said Brown. "The bottom line is is that there is 78 new jobs coming to P.E.I."

Brown explained the role of the tax centre is shifting from processing personal income tax filings to corporate income tax.

"Bobby Morrissey has assured us that there will be no job losses," he said.

Jobs are being lost, Opposition maintains

But the Opposition focused on the 182 employees given relocation letters as potential positions lost, and sought a guarantee from Premier Wade MacLauchlan there would be no job losses.

MacLauchlan didn't provide that guarantee.

"I'll guarantee that the province will take timely action, we'll work with our federal colleagues as the Minister of Workforce and Advance Learning has already demonstrated," said MacLauchlan. He also pointed to positions added at Veterans Affairs Canada over the past year.

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