Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
I have a few questions for you, Minister. First of all, you showed very clearly that the number of conversions had increased in 2006 and that more were in the works. Ultimately, don't you think this situation is more the result of this irresponsible promise that was made by this government?
I'm also wondering if you have an answer to the question asked earlier by my colleague, the Member for Joliette. If this decision was made with a view to achieving tax fairness for all, why then have property trusts been excluded?
Thirdly, you quoted a figure of $3 billion in connection with the transition period. How did you arrive at this figure? Did you simply multiply $500 million by six? Can you let us in on how you did your calculations? I didn't find the answer anywhere in the guide you supplied to us.
Fourthly, today you are breaking a promise, arguably because the cost of the status quo is too high. While the Bloc Québécois agrees with you on principle, it regrets your making this irresponsible promise. Another big promise was made in relation to the fiscal imbalance and I'd like to know if we're going to get the same answer when the next budget is tabled, namely that it would prove too costly for the government to keep this promise.