PM satisfied on tax leak

Photo: The Canadian Press

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Hanoi, Vietnam, Wednesday.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's satisfied with the public explanation provided by a top Liberal fundraiser whose name surfaced in leaked documents that provide details on legal, offshore tax havens used by the wealthy.

Speaking to reporters Wednesday in Hanoi, Vietnam, Trudeau said he's accepted assurances by Stephen Bronfman that he has followed all the rules.

In a statement this week after the release of the so-called "Paradise Papers," Bronfman said he never funded nor used offshore trusts, and that all his Canadian trusts have paid all federal taxes on their income.

Trudeau made his comments in response to a question asking why Bronfman, also a close friend of the prime minister, appeared to still be in his position as a key Liberal fundraiser.

The prime minister did not directly answer the question about Bronfman's role in the party, nor would he say his friend's name in his response.

"In regards to the specific case you mentioned, we have received assurances that all rules were followed, indeed the same assurances made in the public statement released by the family, and we are satisfied with those assurances," Trudeau said during a news conference inside Vietnam's presidential palace.

"We have done much in regards to tax avoidance and tax evasion, including working with international partners.

"But we also recognize there is much more to do and you can rest assured that Canada Revenue Agency will take very seriously its responsibility to go after everyone and anyone involved in tax avoidance and tax evasion."