Mr. Speaker, I have just announced changes in the way the Government of Canada will calculate its 1998 payment in lieu of taxes to Ontario representing a fair and equitable solution to assist local municipalities.
Under the new procedure the Government of Canada will pay as much as 43% more to Ontario municipalities than it did in 1997. In total federal payments to Ontario municipalities will be $35 million more than they were in 1997.
This approach we believe is fair and equitable and will help municipalities and municipal taxpayers to balance their situation.
I would like to thank my colleagues of the capital region in helping me solve—