Thanks for coming this morning.
The work we do is critical to the livelihoods of thousands of families and individuals across the country, and we want to make sure we get it right. It's important for us to be here in Edmonton. We were up in Yellowknife and Whitehorse for the last couple of days, and it gave us a sense of the challenge that exists in that part of the country.
Mr. Savage is correct when he says we have an even bigger problem looming ahead of us right now. This committee is one of the better committees working out of Ottawa. It tries to find common solutions and generally drops the partisan rancour that often gets in the way of good work being done. I think we will probably find a way to table a report that will make a difference. The question is, how would we pay for it? The proposals we put forward—whether it's income security, a national housing program, or a national child care program—all cost money and somebody has to pay.
Mr. Savage mentioned yesterday in the hearings that we need a discussion about taxation—fair taxation, progressive taxation, taxation that actually works in the interests of those who most need it, so that they can participate in society and live with some dignity. Why not start today?
For the most part, middle-class Canada wants to pay less taxes. What they want to see in every budget that comes down is a tax reduction. They don't seem to understand—or maybe they're just turning a blind eye—that with every tax reduction there is less money in the government coffers to pay for programs to help those in need.
Government doesn't usually do stuff that the general public isn't willing to support. Ultimately, we all have to go back to our constituents and make a case for staying in office based on what we stand for. If we're willing to stand up and say we're going to make tax cuts, chances are we'll get re-elected. If we stand up and say no, we're going to raise your taxes, our horizon is limited. That's the reality.
Given what we're hearing on poverty and on groups like the disabled, who are struggling just to get the basics, how can we get a discussion going that will make people willing to support the investments we need to make Canada the country we all believe it has the potential to become?
I'll leave it at that.