Mr. Speaker, the annual conference of western premiers begins tomorrow in Dawson City, Yukon, site of the 100th anniversary celebration of the Klondike gold rush. The overriding demand of the premiers is the same as it was last year, stop the cuts to health and social programs.
In 1991 Statistics Canada reported that federal spending on social programs accounted for only 6 per cent of the federal debt. Tax breaks to profitable corporations and high interest rate policies made up 94 per cent, yet the Liberals leave tax loopholes open while closing the door on low income and middle class families.
This week Mr. Romanow will be pushing for a comprehensive tax review to restore Canadian faith in the tax system. I urge the territorial and provincial leaders to send a strong message to the Prime Minister. Stop the erosion of our health and social programs and ensure that profitable corporations start paying their fair share toward these programs.