Bill would force unions to make financial information public
The Conservatives' proposed bill to force unions to publicly disclose how money is spent will go to a vote the evening of Dec. 12 in the House of Commons.
Bill C-377, introduced by Conservative MP Russ Hiebert, would make amendments to the Income Tax Act and would oblige unions to annually provide the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) with information on all financial affairs, which would then be made available online.
The information would include transactions greater than $5,000 for conferences, activities related to collective bargaining, political activity, lobbying, and payments to union members. In addition, the names and addresses of all the people involved in any of these transactions would be posted on the CRA’s website.
Union groups and other opponents of the bill have said it creates unnecessary reporting requirements, could disrupt labour relations in the country and violates freedom of association.
At second reading in the House, the vote was split among the parties: Conservatives voted yes and the Liberals and New Democrats voted against the bill.
