Thank you, Mr. Chair.
This amendment to clause 170 provides that the Minister of Finance shall not act unilaterally as regards the excise duty on cannabis. This is exactly what the provinces are now demanding from the federal government. The provinces feel betrayed by this government right now.
During preliminary discussions on excise duties on cannabis, the provinces clearly pointed out that most of the responsibilities related to legalization would fall to them and to the municipalities. During our prebudget consultations, we heard that the municipalities are worried about the burden this will place on them and the shortfall in the tax base owing to regulation and the need to ensure that the legalization process goes smoothly. For the federal government, this is not a heavy burden, at least not in terms of taxes. It simply requires that certain provisions be removed from the Criminal Code and that basic rules be established, which the provinces may then modify as they wish. The provinces will bear most of the responsibility.
In the preliminary discussions, the provinces' position was laid out for everyone. The provincial finance ministers indicated that sharing the excise duties on cannabis on an equal basis was not an acceptable formula. Despite this, the government came back two weeks ago with a proposal to share the excise duties equally. The provinces do not agree with this formula; it is another slap in the face. They have to address the matter again and present their position to the Minister of Finance.
That is why this motion provides for consultation in order to establish principles and objectives and conclude an agreement on coordinated taxation of cannabis. This is exactly what the provinces want. Adding clause 8.71 would require the minister to consult the other parties and come to an agreement, which he has thus far refused to do. His approach has been one of confrontation and a lack of respect for what the provinces want.
I urge the government and all members of this committee to support this motion, which would make it possible to reach a consensus, appropriate taxation and, above all, a sharing of the tax revenues that is fair to those who are really responsible for regulating cannabis. I therefore invite my colleagues to support this amendment.