Mr. Speaker, I do not think the Minister of Finance and I are in disagreement. The Minister of Finance is carrying out the Liberal Party's program, as it appears on page 22 of the red book in English and on page 20 in French.
He said, obviously, and I agree with him, that he would have preferred we proceed more quickly. He thought a system could be set up right away and more easily. However, we have chosen to go the route of co-operating with the provinces.
At this point we have the agreement of four provinces, and we hope that the other provinces will join with us, because it will ease things for consumers. For companies and people in business, it will be a lot easier, and we will have a harmonized tax all across the country.
I think the hon. Leader of the Opposition should read the statement by the Quebec finance minister, Mr. Landry, on this subject.