Mr. Fergus made a number of false statements in his remarks. He said that the legislation was enforced by the previous government. Partisan governments do not enforce legislation, governmental organizations and public servants do. The Canada Revenue Agency has been enforcing the legislation. The principle in question is intended to grant tax credits to charitable or not-for-profit groups for activities designed to help the less fortunate or for any other charitable cause. But the goal was not to give money to lobbyists. However, the bill as currently proposed deals with a tax credit that the Liberals want to provide to lobbyists.
When they mention environmental groups, they are talking about groups opposed to pipelines and to jobs for workers and for indigenous communities with resources. Not only do they receive foreign money for anti-Canadian political activities, but the government is also going to give a tax credit to help fund those activities. I find it very unfortunate that the government is supporting interest groups opposed to indigenous peoples and workers in the natural resources sector and other lobbyists working to destroy our industries and the possibilities for our workers.
That is why I am opposed to this. A huge majority agrees with us that we must avoid giving excess tax credits to charitable groups in order to fund lobbyists, whatever their ideology. That is why we submitted this proposal. It's very unfortunate that the government is in the process of helping lobbyists to take unfair advantage of our system.
Thank you.