Mr. Speaker, the net impression of all that ranting was for the minister to be saying that he does not interpret the increase in CPP premiums as a payroll tax.
The economic analysis and forecasting division of his own department publishes papers-I can give him copies of them-in which it describes CPP premiums as a payroll tax. It has computer models for running that payroll tax and determining its negative impact on job creation when it is increased.
Last night, Judith Andrew of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business discussed the CPP premium increase as a payroll tax. If there is any group in the country that can recognize a payroll tax when it sees it, it is the CFIB.
The only people that do not believe a 70 per cent hike in CPP premiums is not a payroll tax increase is the Minister of Finance and the gullible gang across the way.
I would appreciate a straight answer to my question. Given the views of his own department, why will the minister simply not admit that CPP premiums are a payroll tax and that he has raised them by 70 per cent?