Bill C-563 (Historical)

An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (payment of individual's refund to registered charity)

This enactment amends section 164 of the Income Tax Act to permit an individual to direct the Minister to pay all or any portion of their tax refund to a registered charity.

Income Tax Act

[Nathan Cullen, NDP, Skeena—Bulkley Valley, BC]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-563, An Act to amend the Income Tax Act (payment of individual's refund to registered charity).

This specific bill, presented by Emily McCosker-Hobley, is an excellent piece of legislation. It recognizes our great fortune to live in a prosperous country like Canada which affords us the responsibility to be generous.

The bill would amend the taxation act to allow Canadians to voluntarily donate some of their tax dollars directly to foreign aid through those international government agencies that exist within Canada. Canadians would respond to this.

All parties must consider this excellent piece of legislation seriously because in the trying times in which we live now it is the responsibility and duty of countries like Canada to step up to the plate fully.

I am so glad to have the guiding hand of these young people directing me rather than just me myself.

We can learn from the vision and hope of these young people. They present to us the right course for this country, remove the cynicism and dire vision that we sometimes incorporate in this place and reach for something more inspirational for the great country of Canada.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)

[Royal Galipeau, Conservative, Ottawa—Orléans, ON]

Mr. Speaker, during question period, when I asked the hon. Minister of Natural Resources a question, members of the Bloc Québécois amused themselves by shouting that I had voted against Canada's economic action plan.

I would like to make it clear to the House and anyone interested in the matter that I voted in favour of Canada's economic action plan every time and I never miss a vote in this House. Also, I support Canada's economic action plan.

[Christiane Gagnon, Bloc, Québec, QC]

Mr. Speaker, I would like to point out that the member who just spoke was heckling members of the Bloc Québécois constantly while they were asking their questions.

The Conservatives say we voted against government bills, but when they were in opposition, they also voted against government bills. It is only natural that we vote against any program that is not in line with our principles. However, once it is in place, it is up to us to improve it and return it to the House of Commons. When the Conservatives were in opposition, they voted against several Liberal Party bills and programs. That did not stop them from asking the government questions. That is what it means to respect the opposition.

[The Speaker, Peter Milliken]

If the hon. members wish to have a debate on the matter, perhaps they could present a motion to that effect, but it is not a point of order. We can now move on to Routine Proceedings.