Thank you very much.
I am pleased to present this notice of motion, which reads as follows:
That the Committee immediately undertake a study on the government's consultations titled “Tax Planning Using Private Corporations” as publicly released on July 18, 2017; That the Committee hear from witnesses on this topic for 5 meetings; That the hearings consider the impact of the changes, including how they apply to small, local businesses, but not large, multi-national and/or publicly traded companies; That the findings be reported to the House; and That the government provide a response to the recommendations made by the Committee.
Let me now explain why it is important for the committee to consider this matter.
Tax reform will have major repercussions for small and medium-sized businesses. A number of stakeholders have said this is a major, unprecedented reform of the tax system. Moreover, the consultation period will be very short, just a few weeks.
I am aware that the Standing Committee on Finance has allocated time to study part of this reform. It is unfortunate, however, that there are only a few witnesses. We could work as a team, together or individually with the Standing Committee on Finance, in order to hear from more witnesses.
As MPs, we are receiving many calls from constituents about this reform. I am sure it is the same thing for my colleagues in the NDP and the Liberal Party. Chambers of commerce are worried.
It is true that the Minister of Finance is open to making certain changes following the consultation. We could help him in his reflections by hearing from witnesses about the changes that could make the tax system fairer for all taxpayers, as the minister has said himself.
Beauce is an entrepreneurial region and I am very proud to be their Member of Parliament. It is also a region with a lot of farmers, as they pointed out to me in the recent leadership race. That said, I have met with dairy farmers recently. They are worried about passing on their business to their family and the tax implications that will have for their own business.
The dairy farmers of Beauce are very happy that my party is protecting supply management and they want their MP to defend them vigorously on this issue. That is what I intend to do, while also defending the other businesses that could be affected.
My motion is fully consistent with the committee's mission with regard to this reform, and I would like for us to debate it. I hope I have convinced my colleagues of the usefulness of this reform. If I have failed to do that, we should express our point of view by voting on this motion. I am certain that my colleagues will have things to say and perhaps we can come to an agreement. That is my hope.