Dear Senator:

URGENT INTERVENTION TO REJECT PROVISIONS OF BILL C-29 DUE TO IMPACTS IN PHYSICIANS WORKING IN THE CANADIAN HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

Clause to be Amended in c-29

(SMALL BUSINESS DEDUCTION PROVISION – CLAUSE Part 1 J (j) amending the anti-avoidance rules in the Income Tax Act that prevent the multiplication of access to the small business deduction and the avoidance of the business limit and the taxable capital limit).

We seek your vote to support amendments to the above clause due to its detrimental impact on the Canadian Health Care System and the ability of Radiologists and all other doctors to maximise care for patients.  A copy of our presentation before your Finance Committee is attached. Please take a moment to read it.   The unintended consequences that this legislation will have on the future of Canadian Health Care is now in your hands as you vote on Bill C-29 this week.  

The fundamental question that has to be reconciled is whether passing this Bill without amendments meets the “net benefit test” for Canadians’.  In our opinion and as outlined in our presentation, as front line health physicians’ we believe it will not, however more importantly it will destroy the well over 30 years of benefit to our health care system when physicians can deliver patient care in groups versus as individual doctors.  Acceptance of C-29 as approved by the House of Commons will unwind many of the patient care benefits for an ill-considered tax plan that Finance Department officials readily admit was not researched for its impact on everyday Canadians.  I urge your action on this.

Please do not hesitate to contact me via our Association or to Dr. Prieditis, President OAR at 905-337-2680.

Download: The Presentation to the Standing Senate Committee on National Finance.

Thank you for your support.                             

Sincerely,

Diagnostic Radiologist