Plans for a new Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) service centre in Whitehorse are being applauded by at least two local organizations.

The announcement was made Friday as part of a broader plan that will see new CRA offices in the three territorial capitals before the next tax season kicks in.

Diane Lebouthillier, the federal Minister of National Revenue, announced the plans for the new offices during a press conference at the MacBride Museum.

In separate interviews this morning, Peter Turner, the Yukon Chamber of Commerce president, and Doug MacLean, the president of the Yukon Council On Aging, were quick to praise the announcement.

“It’s a good move,” MacLean said.

Council members haven’t yet been canvassed for their thoughts about the addition of an office in the Yukon.

However, MacLean said the group often hears from seniors with questions about taxes when filing season rolls around each year.

Having a local office means assistance will be more readily available.

Meanwhile, Turner said chamber officials are pleased the federal government has recognized the special challenges that exist in the North for businesses.

Simply getting required documents to the CRA on time can be a significant challenge. There’s often a two-week deadline, with certain paperwork required to be sent by mail without any electronic option.

That means many documents don’t get back to a CRA office by the required deadline.

A new office means businesses will have a place they can get go to physically file their documents without worrying about mailing times.

Businesses in the communities outside of Whitehorse will still have to use mail or travel outside their community to file tax forms.

However, Turner noted there are many business owners who travel into Whitehorse semi-regularly who he suspects will make use of the office when they’re in town.

The CRA is “headed in the right direction” with the move to open offices in the northern capitals, he stressed.

Turner also pointed out that while the CRA has had a toll-free number business owners can call when they have questions, it’s often “a nightmare.”

That’s because it can be difficult to get through to someone, with the call repeatedly going to voice mail.

Having a physical office to go to where business owners can speak directly to CRA staff will be a benefit to many business owners, Turner pointed out.

Government officials said Friday work is underway to find locations in Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit for the three new offices, with $6 million budgeted. The service centres will employ a staff of 12 among the three offices.

The previous CRA office in Whitehorse closed in 2012. It was one of a number of offices that were shuttered across the country under the then-Conservative government.

Hundreds of Yukoners signed a protest petition when the closure of the Whitehorse office was announced – to no avail.