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MONTREAL — The NDP has suspended a member from its shadow cabinet because of his chronic, long-term failure to pay taxes.

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Tyrone Benskin has been stripped of his role as official-languages critic until he pays the taxes he owes.

The announcement follows a report that Quebec’s revenue agency has contacted the House of Commons to seize part of his salary because of more than $58,000 he owes the province for unpaid taxes between 2007 and 2011.

The Montreal MP had been an actor in films, including the popular “300,” before being elected in 2011.

Benskin has apologized in a statement.

“In order for our society to be prosperous and fair, each citizen must do their part. I haven’t always done mine and I apologize,” he said.

“Fortunately, I am working on sorting out my situation with the Canada Revenue Agency. I intend to pay back every last cent of the money I owe, as soon as possible.”

He also offered an explanation about why he was so late.

“The life of an artist isn’t always easy. I have had lean periods,” he said. “I have lived in precarious conditions, not knowing what the future had in store for me, sometimes without a contract for several weeks, or even months. I have had to juggle bills.

He has to pay his taxes, like everyone. He will do it. He will do it completely. He apologized — which was the right thing to do

“My situation has prevented me from fulfilling all of my tax obligations and I am truly sorry. I recognize that it is my responsibility and I will fulfill it directly and personally.”