Finance Committee on Nov. 20th, 2023

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

She's crosstalking.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

That's right. We don't want any crosstalk. What we're asking for is no crosstalk.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Let me continue. We've established that the interest on your government's debt on Canadians' heads is going to be $52.4 billion.

On page 82, can you please let Canadians know what the health transfer costs are going to be next year?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

As I was saying before I was interrupted, when it comes to Canada's fiscal track, it's worth pointing out that Canada's debt—

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON]

I have a point of order, Mr. Chair.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—and deficit are both—

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

There is a point of order.

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON]

Mr. Hallan asked a very simple question, and I do not understand why the minister can't answer the question.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

That is not a point of order, MP Lawrence.

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON]

A witness has an obligation to respond to questions.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

No, that is not—

[Philip Lawrence, Conservative, Northumberland—Peterborough South, ON]

They absolutely do, especially when they are a minister of the Crown.

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

The witness is answering questions. Allow the minister to answer the question, MP Lawrence.

Go ahead, Minister.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Our debt and deficit are both the lowest in the G7. Canada also—

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

That wasn't the question, Minister.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—continues to enjoy a AAA credit rating.

Let me give you two other data points on the sustainability of Canada's fiscal position. First, foreign investors are buying Canadian government bonds.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

Minister, I'll give you one more chance.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

The share of foreign investors in our debt has gone from around 15% in 2008—

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

What is the number for what the Canada health transfer will be next year? I'd like just the number.

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

—to close to 30% today. Those are investors who are voting with their money.

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

What is the number for the Canada health transfer next year? Can you provide a number?

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Is the floor mine, Mr. Chair, or is Mr. Hallan interested in answering his own question?

[The Chair, Liberal, Peter Fonseca]

The floor is yours to answer the question from Mr. Hallan, yes.

[Jasraj Singh Hallan, Conservative, Calgary Forest Lawn, AB]

On page 82, table A1.6—

[Chrystia Freeland, Liberal, University—Rosedale, ON]

Another relevant point when it comes to the sustainability of Canada's debt is the fact that Canada, because we have a fiscally responsible—