My comment is that there is already abundant evidence that the oil companies can afford to pay more taxes. We see that in their annual reports, which indicate record profits year after year. You also talked about special levies that would apply to refineries. I would just like to remind you that in Quebec, there was a « budget crisis » last week. We witnessed an arm wrestling match which ended with the government deciding to add $150 million to its budget to meet the demands of the Parti Québécois, which allowed the budget to pass.
In order to fund that budget item, the government has decided to increase taxes on oil companies and banks from 9.9 to 11.9 per cent. As far as I know, there has been no hue and cry in Quebec about this and I don't think that, if the government does decide to take a little more money out of the pockets of those who have a great deal more than others, it is unlikely that many people will criticize them for being unfair.