False Pandemic Benefit Claims Could Be Billions Higher Than Thought, CRA Warns

A sign outside the Canada Revenue Agency is seen in Ottawa, on May 10, 2021. The Canadian Press/Adrian Wyld

The Canada Revenue Agency has raised concerns that false claims for pandemic benefits could be billions of dollars higher than initially thought.

“Overall the Agency estimates its verifications alone will exceed the dollar value of potentially ineligible benefits received by individuals by almost $3.2 billion,” the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) wrote to the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.