An employee of the Firm accessed a former client’s private tax information with the Canada Revenue Agency online account. The employee provided this information to the former client’s estranged spouse (a current client of the Firm). The Firm represents that it was unaware that the spouses were estranged and that the breach of confidentiality of the former client was unintended.
The Investigation Committee determined the Member contravened the CPABC Code of Professional Conduct as follows,
- 201.1 - Maintenance of the good reputation of the profession
- 208 - Confidentiality of information
The Committee recommended the Firm:
- Accept a reprimand; and
- Pay expenses of $1,525.