Vancouver, British Columbia, April 18, 2017… The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) announced today that Vancouver real estate developer Brendan James Schouw was sentenced April 10, 2017, in the Provincial Court of British Columbia to one count of goods and services tax (GST) evasion. Mr. Schouw was fined $300,000.

A CRA investigation determined that between July 31, 2008, and July 1, 2009, GST of $203,082 was not remitted on personal units sold by Grace Residences Ltd. to Mr. Schouw. Mr. Schouw was the sole director and officer of Grace Residences Ltd.

The preceding information was obtained from the court records.

When taxpayers are convicted of GST evasion, they must still repay the full amount of taxes owing, plus interest and any civil penalties that may be assessed by the CRA. In addition, the court may fine them up to 200% of the taxes evaded and impose a jail term of up to five years.

If you have ever made a tax mistake or omission, the CRA is offering you a second chance to make things right through its Voluntary Disclosures Program (VDP). If you make a valid disclosure before you become aware that the CRA is taking action against you, you may only have to pay the taxes owing plus interest. More information on the VDP can be found on the CRA's website at www.cra.gc.ca/voluntarydisclosures.

Further information on convictions can also be found in the Media Room on the CRA website at www.cra.gc.ca/convictions.

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For media information

Heidi Hofstad
Communications Manager
604-666-9389