Mr. Speaker, last Wednesday, following the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister, the Prime Minister called a byelection in the riding of Hamilton East for June 17.
What is the real meaning of this election? If the former Deputy Prime Minister is re-elected, will we be able to reasonably conclude that the people have absolved the government for reneging on its promise to scrap the GST? We do not think so.
For quite a while now, politicians have not been getting a passing mark as far as credibility is concerned, and this government, which does not hesitate to sacrifice the neediest in its fight against the deficit, must recognize its mistakes and reaffirm clearly its willingness to treat people with fairness and common sense.
Absolve the government on the GST, no, never.