2021 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of Canada—Canada Child Benefit program delivers accurate and timely payments, opportunities exist to improve program efficiency

2021 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada to the Parliament of CanadaCanada Child Benefit program delivers accurate and timely payments, opportunities exist to improve program efficiency

Ottawa, 25 February 2021—A report from Auditor General Karen Hogan tabled today in the House of Commons concludes that the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) managed the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) program so that millions of eligible families received accurate and timely payments. The audit also reviewed the one-time additional payment of up to $300 per child issued in May 2020 to help eligible families during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

The audit noted areas where the agency could improve the administration of the program by changing how it manages information it uses to assess eligibility to the CCB. For example, better use of information received from other federal organizations would help ensure that the agency is informed when a beneficiary has left the country. This would avoid cases where payments are issued on the basis of outdated information. To enhance the integrity of the program, the agency should request that all applicants provide a valid proof of birth when they apply for the benefit.

The audit also raised the concept of female presumption and noted that given the diversity of families in Canada today, this presumption has had an impact on the administration of the Canada Child Benefit program.

“The Canada Child Benefit is important to help families who need financial support to raise their children”, says Ms. Hogan.

The 2021 Reports of the Auditor General of Canada—Report 4—Canada Child Benefit—Canada Revenue Agency is available on the Office of the Auditor General of Canada website.

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