Mr. Speaker, the member just threw me a lob ball that I do not deserve.
For 10 years we have been talking about the notion of comprehensive tax reform and I will admit that this is a very tough, complex issue.
The member knows that I have worked on this issue in a very diligent, focused way. When the Reform Party came to this House and became Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition, I was excited and said at last we have a group of men and women here who will help produce a critical mass of debate so that we can really shake the tax system in this country and get something going.
This is the first time this member has stood and talked on this issue about tax reform since we have come back. Where is the Reform Party on tax reform?
I have been advocating simplifying the tax system for the last few years. If I had my way, I would abolish federal income tax for small business in this country.
They do not understand how things get done in this Chamber. It is give and take. We have a bill today which Reformers should be supporting us on and they are running the other way. They say they are going to oppose. There is an issue where I think they are on the right track in terms of comprehensive business tax reform.
They hide it. Bring forward the debate and there will be many of us on this side of the House who will support the idea. Bring it forward in a consistent, steady as she goes way. Don't just throw it up every now and again because they find there is something worth saying and the only thing they can throw out is tax reform.
I pray that the Reform Party gets on to the game of comprehensive tax reform. Just like the Minister of Finance said about two weeks ago, we do need it but both sides of the House have to engage in the debate.