This enactment designates June 4 as “International Tax Justice and Cooperation Day”.

Preamble

Whereas all countries, individuals and enterprises can benefit from tax justice and cooperation;

Whereas insufficient international measures on tax justice and cooperation weaken public trust, financial integrity and sustainable development;

Whereas Canada wishes for all countries to work together on tax issues, including by sharing information, implementing measures to combat tax evasion and modernizing tax regimes;

Whereas Canada believes in the need for international tax initiatives to ensure that residents of Canada and enterprises that operate in Canada pay their fair share of taxes;

Whereas, since 2009, under a G20 mandate, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”), by creating the Global Forum on Exchange of Information and Transparency for Tax Purposes — which has over 160 member countries — has been combatting tax fraud by strengthening transparency and international cooperation regarding taxes and ending banking secrecy;

Whereas, since 2012, under a G20 mandate, the OECD has been fighting the erosion of the tax base and profit shifting by multinational enterprises as part of its Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Project;

Whereas, since 2016, the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank Group, the United Nations and the OECD have committed to intensifying their cooperation on all tax issues and increasing their capacity to support developing countries;

Whereas, in 2019, the OECD proposed rules for a global minimum tax on corporate profits that is scheduled to be implemented in 2024;

Whereas, in summary, it is globally recognized that improving tax justice and cooperation is an increasingly important need;

Whereas, on June 4, 1923, the first international standing fiscal committee began its work under the auspices of the League of Nations;

And whereas, on the centennial of that date, it would be appropriate to establish an international tax justice and cooperation day;

His Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows: