When you lost the election in 1985, the difference between the rate of taxation in Ontario and that in Quebec was 10.5%—this is still 1990—because today it is only 3.5% and on the decrease. It is steadily decreasing. It was not the intention of the government in power at that time, the Liberal government,to obtain compensation. They knew there was an agreement with Ottawa.
Throughout the speech by the Quebec Minister of Revenue, he is careful to stress the notion of fairness. We were guided by our wish to see that those with low incomes did not pay for this reform. We were not going to foot the bill for this reform. Measures were introduced.
These people are getting refunds. The opposition never says that low income Canadians receive GST refunds. It never says that the elderly and students receive GST refunds. We never hear anything about that, but it is good for these people. They tend to consume less that we do.
Measures were introduced. These people are getting refunds and these changes will cost nothing to families with an income of around 30 000 $, for instance. They will lose nothing.
One thing should be said regarding the GST in Quebec, we are making changes, reducing it from 9% to 8% and to 7% in 1992. The overall impact should be beneficial, good for democracy and I believe empowering, or at the very least advantageous for Quebec society as a whole.
One thing is very important, and that is that the minister took note of the change and really sought to be fair. He noticed that the government was committed to the notion of economically advantageous mechanisms across North America and this is what this bill is all about. This is why Mrs. Marois supported free trade.
One thing in this debate in the national assembly was very important, the vote. When it took place, quite a few PQ members were absent.
But one thing should be said, according to my notes—