Mr. Speaker, my question is directed to the Minister of Finance.
Yesterday, after reiterating his intention of harmonizing the various sales taxes, the Minister confirmed that he wanted to put in place a single tax, and I quote: "We want to introduce a sales tax- because that is what the business community, consumers and provincial governments want". In addition, the Minister of Finance refused to promise that he will not encroach upon provincial jurisdiction where tax matters are concerned.
Regardless of the alternative to the GST, is it in the Minister of Finance's plans to have his proposed single tax combining all provincial and federal taxes administered and collected by the federal government?