House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Cigarette Taxes February 11th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I met in person with the president of the Retailers Association when he was here with the Conseil du patronat. The solution we are proposing is the most equitable
and practical, given the difficulty and complexity of the situation. It should be pointed out that the solution for small retailers may be to negotiate with the wholesalers or manufacturers.
Government Spending February 11th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am really not in a position to respond on the details of the budget until such time as I have presented the budget.
You have told us on numerous occasions that we should answer through you and I am prepared to do that. But my question to you, Mr. Speaker, is are you passing the answers on to them?
Government Spending February 11th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I have just started! The Opposition is certainly entitled to make comments, but you must understand that the finance minister has to restrict his given the imminence of the budget. I can assure the hon. member that the 3 per cent objective remains a target of the Liberal government.
Government Spending February 11th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the House will understand that with the imminence of the budget it is really not incumbent upon me to make any comment really on what is going to be included in it.
Taxation February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, first of all, that is not the problem. The problem facing small business is really linked to the taxes levied by governments, be they federal or provincial, on total payroll because this kills jobs. That is why we are so intent on having discussions with the Government of Quebec as well as other provincial governments to reduce, if not eliminate, these taxes which are real job killers. That is our answer and I must say that I think it is far better than the one Mr. Wilson gave back then.
Taxation February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, when I was opposition critic-I think I had the seat over there, as Mr. Tremblay recalls-I made exactly the same speech, except a little better perhaps!
As you know, we are a full year away from January 1995 and already, we are consulting with the Government of Quebec and other provincial governments. Our discussions will certainly yield results before long.
Taxation February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, since this is I think the fifth time in a row this afternoon that I have had the question I will answer in English.
Let me be very clear. There are built into the Income Tax Act a number of inequities. It is our clear intention in order to confirm the support of the Canadian people for the system of taxation that we have in this country to eliminate those inequities. We intend to do that and we intend to do that in this budget.
Taxation February 10th, 1994
I repeat, Mr. Speaker, our position is very clear. First, we know full well that at one point we will have to lower taxes, especially for the middle class.
Second, we do not intend to really increase the tax burden that, unfortunately, Canadians already carry, but we will be widening the tax base. Right now, I do not understand the position of the Bloc Quebecois: Should we close the loopholes? Yes or no?
Taxation February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, the Leader of the Opposition is to be commended because after three months, he has finally understood our position.
Taxation February 10th, 1994
Mr. Speaker, there are some very obvious inconsistencies in the position taken by the Leader of the Opposition. Does he or does he not support abolishing some of these tax loopholes, as his finance critic has said repeatedly?