Mr. Speaker, I believe on economic policy one has to take the longer run view. It does not do to penalize success like the banks have had now for a year or so after having absorbed huge losses for many years. If we do this kind of thing, we will drive out investment in Canada.
Investment in Canada is the source of our prosperity. It is the only source that will raise our living standards by increasing productivity. Without it, it is not possible. Even new technology needs investment to be introduced.
I do not share the judgment that it is wise for the longer run fortune of this country to say to anyone, be it a bank, a corporation, a professional, a gambler, anybody who has had success: "You are not allowed to keep it because there are some people out there who did not invest, who did not have luck, who did not work as hard. They have to get their money from us".
This is not what has made this country great and it is not what will keep this country prosperous. The Reform Party and certainly I will forever defend the system that has gotten us to the standard of living to which we have proudly become accustomed.