Quote:
Originally Posted by 68style
I've posted about it before in great detail on this forum, but Child Tax Benefit is one of the most abused programs in Canada... I worked there for 1.5 years doing investigations and the number of people in very affluent addresses declaring zero income with a spouse who is a non-resident also making "no income" claiming full benefit for 2 kids while living on the west side of Vancouver and getting a full cheque every month for 18 years of their children's lives is absolutely staggering.
I don't doubt the program helps many people, my sister included (and of course there's abuse, I talked to many parents who were separated and both trying to claim the money and there was no doubt in my mind that money was for liquor, drugs, gambling, etc. but I believe them to be in the minority) but hundreds of millions go to rich people lying about their income. Mostly the "permanent resident" type unfortunately -- ie: the ones who are in a position to lie to CRA because their spouse makes money in another country whereas anyone who works in Canada would be unable to hide their income unless they were paid in cash.
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Instead of giving money to these people that have no financial skills, i.e. a high likelihood of why they're poor, provide them with child services like subsidized daycare, childrens clothing, school meals, early education programs.
Though, I wish there was a way to close the loop with foreign people that milk the system. Possibly making these benefit available to Canadian citizens and restricting multi citizenships from certain countries.