You are lucky, Fred, to perhaps know a few of the ethical and patriotic amongst the group. Perhaps your friends are citizens and feel that it is their responsibility to contribute to this great nation.
Unfortunately, many MP/SP are not citizens, and have no attachment to Canada. Tax evasion is even more widespread in Russia and China than it is here, so it becomes part of the culture.
If Revenue Minister Lawrence Bergman can publicly state that over 50% of those involved in the general service industries (i.e. barmaids, waiters, repairmen, handymen, etc.) are underreporting their income, the same percentage or greater must surely apply to the further fringes of the economy.
Remember that the Feds didn't get Al Capone for murder or conspiracy, but for tax evasion.