Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Monday that Heather Evans, executive director and chief executive of the Canadian Tax Foundation, will become the new head of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Evans will assume the title of Commissioner of Revenue, effective July 13, succeeding Jean-François Fortin, who has served as acting commissioner since March 31.
Evans' Background and Experience
Evans has led the Canadian Tax Foundation since 2016. Prior to that, she practiced at two Toronto-based law firms before joining Deloitte LLP's Canadian arm, where she served as national managing partner. She became a partner at Deloitte in 2000 and served as its national managing partner for tax from 2012 to 2016. She has also held roles at the C.D. Howe Institute think tank and McCain Foods Group Inc.
In addition to her professional work, Evans is a member of the Ontario Bar Association, the Law Society of Upper Canada, and the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. She has taught at Western Law School and York University's Osgoode Hall Law School.
Educational Credentials
Evans holds a Master of Laws (Taxation) from Osgoode Hall Law School at York University, a Bachelor of Laws from Western University, and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and history from McMaster University.
In a 2022 interview with Osgoode Hall Law School, Evans remarked, "Tax law in Canada has become exponentially more complex, and the pace of change is also accelerating as we feel the influence of global trends, such as enhanced transparency and more detailed anti-avoidance provisions."
Reaction from Canadian Tax Foundation
Michael R. Smith, chair of the Canadian Tax Foundation, praised Evans' appointment in a congratulatory note on the research organization's website. "Her appointment is a testament to her exemplary professionalism and leadership from which now all Canadians will benefit," Smith said, adding that her leadership has been "instrumental in strengthening the Foundation's role and impact."
