Peter McCallion has admitted to violating Canada’s tax laws on multiple occasions.

The 60-year-old divorced realtor and son of Mississauga’s iconic mayor pleaded guilty Friday morning to 15 counts of failing to file personal, corporate and GST-related income taxes dating back to 2009, under Canada’s Income Tax Act and Excise Tax Act.

McCallion faced 53 charges in total, alleging he failed to file tax returns as far back as 2004. The remaining 38 charges were dropped after court heard he has now filed all outstanding tax returns to date.

Justice Donald McLeod imposed a $15,000 fine, ruling McCallion was “unable to follow through” on multiple requests by the Canada Revenue Agency last year to file outstanding returns within 90 days. McCallion has been given two years and three months to pay the fine.

The judge said he is hopeful the fine imposed “does send a message to the general populace that as a result of not filing, there are personal consequences.”

In Brampton court, federal prosecutor Jennifer Campitelli said McCallion was compliant and immediately wanted to file the returns after being charged. Considering he filed all outstanding returns in less than a year, Campitelli said McCallion acted in a “very timely fashion.”

Outside court, when asked why the other charges weren’t prosecuted, Campitelli said the goals were to get McCallion to file all returns and “send a message” that these violations won’t be tolerated.

She said she believes both goals were met, adding “$15,000 is a significant amount of money.”

McCallion’s lawyer, Amol Chiplunkar, of Toronto tax law firm DioGuardi, said his client has learned from his misgivings.

“He understands the severity of the situation,” he said.

Court heard the charges were laid by Canada’s tax watchdog on Oct. 18, 2013

McCallion faced a hefty fine and possible jail sentence, but Campitelli said the fine was a “fair sentence” considering his willingness to plead guilty.

McCallion had no comment when entering court and chose not to address the judge before he imposed the fine.

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When contacted by the Star, Hazel McCallion’s office said she would have no comment on the matter.

Torstar New Service

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