Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the member for Kamloops, Thompson and Highland Valleys for putting forward this motion. The motion certainly gives us an opportunity to put on the table various views concerning the subject. It allows us to talk in general terms about the commitment we all have to the environment to ensure that it continues to be one which we cherish and one which we will continually take steps to improve.
The government recognizes that encouraging the use of public transportation is important. Other members have raised some concerns with respect to the measure, the fairness and the efficiency.
We have to ensure before we commit the government's scarce resources that any measures taken represent an efficient use of public funds. When we look at this particular motion, the bulk of tax assistance would accrue to individuals already using mass transportation. Although we have heard various numbers quoted today in the debate, the incremental increase in the number of transit users is expected to be small compared to the existing users. One could argue that the proposed measure would not be the most cost effective way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We should also note that the tax system is not always the most efficient and effective mechanism for accomplishing various policy objectives. We all know that all levels of government have a variety of policy tools at their disposal and they must be careful to use each one properly.
We must be clear that the government recognizes the importance of sustainable development in all its aspects including its impact on climate change. The government is committed to pursuing the principle of long term sustainability across a wide spectrum of government activities. To provide leadership in this important area the federal government has required all of its departments to prepare sustainable development strategies for tabling in parliament. Federal departments are expected to update these strategies every three years and to provide annual progress reports on implementing them.
The Department of Finance which is responsible for tax policy had its sustainable development strategy tabled in parliament on December 10, 1997. The department recognizes that closer integration of economic and environmental goals is an important objective and has taken concrete steps toward furthering this objective in every budget since 1994.
Last year's budget provided an additional $50 million annually for three years. The funds will help lay a strong foundation including developing a national implementation strategy, carrying out public education, encouraging early action by Canadians, identifying best practices and mechanisms such as emissions trading, all with the objective of reducing the impact of climate change.
To co-ordinate efforts in this regard the Government of Canada announced the establishment of a climate change secretariat that will support the efforts of the ministers and will work with the provinces and stakeholders to develop the national implementation strategy to honour our Kyoto commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As part of this process a transportation issue table has been created to determine the most appropriate measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector. The table will examine the merit of the proposed tax treatment of transit passes along with other available options and will make recommendations to governments.
I want to thank the hon. member for bringing this important issue to our attention. I believe that the measure will be reviewed as part of the national process. It would therefore be premature to take any action in this regard immediately. I am sure I am like all members of the House who would like to make gains against greenhouse gas emissions, but I would also like to take a comprehensive approach, an approach that is all inclusive.
Governments in the past have sometimes taken a piecemeal approach to challenges that we face. We know the results. We have made progress in a number of areas. But we know that when we approach an issue from a comprehensive and all inclusive perspective, the results and the outcomes are ones that we are proud of and that we can live with.
The issue of greenhouse gas emissions is global. We have a global commitment to deal with it. We will deal with this issue in a collective fashion. It has been stated by other speakers that this initiative alone may not provide the results we are looking for.
It is questionable whether we will see an increase in ridership. This particular motion solely addresses the aspect of making the employer provided transit passes an income tax exempt benefit.
I believe the member for Regina—Lumsden—Lake Centre made reference to making this tax deductible. There is a difference. In this motion we are only focusing on those individuals who are employed. There are individuals who are most in need like seniors who have benefits that local municipalities provide by offering them reduced rates for public transportation.
The issue should be approached from a much wider spectrum. Also it is being suggested at a time when there is a more comprehensive approach being taken by the government, by the stakeholders and by all the partners.
I know members who have engaged in this debate have talked about the support that is out there among the municipalities and environmental groups. The government is supportive of initiatives that will deal with greenhouse gas emissions. However, we must be cautious in ensuring that whatever we do we do it in a manner that will be efficient and will make best use of taxpayers dollars.
By moving on the motion as it is presently worded we would not be achieving our objectives in Kyoto and our objectives with respect to the tax assistance that we may be able to provide. With that being said, I would urge hon. members not to support the motion.