Human trafficking survivor, whose identity was also stolen, in battle with the CRA

Cassandra Harvey, a human trafficking survivor from Toronto, is currently battling with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) over debts that were allegedly opened in her name by her traffickers. At the age of 14, Harvey was groomed and subsequently subjected to four years of abuse. After escaping, she discovered that her traffickers had amassed over $65,000 in debt using her identity, including payday loans, credit cards, and phone bills.

Despite clearing the debt, Harvey's credit report was ruined, and she now faces additional challenges with the CRA. During the COVID-19 pandemic, her trafficker claimed COVID Benefit (CERB) and a portion of her child tax benefit in Harvey's name. The CRA is demanding repayment, leading to clawbacks on her tax returns, child tax benefits, GST, HST, and placing a significant financial burden on Harvey, who is currently studying in university and is a single mother.

Retired banker Richard Dunwoody, who founded Project Recover, claims this is a common issue faced by survivors of human trafficking. He argues that the CRA should be more understanding towards such cases and has called for a change in policy. Harvey is not alone in her struggle; many survivors face similar financial hurdles, and she is now seeking support from other survivors to advocate for changes at the CRA.