In the House: Benskin tables his bill on tax fairness for artists

Hansard, May 31, 2012

Mr. Tyrone Benskin (Jeanne-Le Ber, NDP)
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-427, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (income averaging for artists).

He said: Mr. Speaker, this is a proud and humbling moment for me. I have lobbied for this for at least a decade before joining the House.

This bill would help independent artists who do not have access to employment insurance and the Canada pension plan during feast or famine years. All independent artists can have a number of lean years. Then, if they are blessed, they will land something that shoots them up into the stratosphere. The bill intends to make it a little easier in regards to averaging their tax burden for that year over four or five years.

Many artists have looked for this. I know members of the House on the opposite side have heard that for a number of years. It would bring a sense of fairness to the people who contribute to this country in large measure.

Therefore, I stand here today to introduce this bill.