To go back to what I was saying:
One, there was a benefit to consumers built into the change as the combined sales tax rates were reduced at the same time as the base broadened, and two, small businesses themselves felt part of the process as there was a degree of consultation missing from current initiatives.
That's from the Ontario and B.C. ones. It continues:
It often surprises public policy makers that small business owners often view things through the eyes of their customers rather than through the lens of their own business. I believe the lack of an overall rate reduction partly explains the concern our members have with the harmonization initiatives in Ontario and B.C.
We believe that's a good point at which to start, Mr. Chairman.
Also, for the benefit of my friend and colleague, Mr. McCallum, I will now read from a resolution passed at Hull at a Liberal Party annual meeting. I can't name all the people who were there. Some of them are still elected and I can't name them, but Paul Martin, Jean Chrétien, Ethel Blondin, and Sheila Copps, all of fond memory, were there. Here's what was resolved by the erstwhile Liberals, now led by a right-wing phalange:
Be it further resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada rejects the G.S.T., and more particularly, categorically rejects the imposition of the G.S.T. to First Nations and their citizens throughout Canada on the grounds that it is in violation of their aboriginal and treaty rights which are recognized and affirmed in the Constitution, and is inconsistent with the principle of self-government.
Of course, as Mr. McCallum would tell you, that was then and this is now.
But they went on to say the same thing in French.
Be it resolved that the Liberal Party of Canada rejects the GST, and more particularly, categorically rejects the imposition of the GST on first nations and their citizens throughout Canada…