Madam Speaker, I listened with interest to my friend's thoughtful presentation which he always gives.
I have a question for him regarding the GST. I know the GST is a friend of his and he likes the idea of the GST. However, would he not agree with what many tax people tell us? It was the introduction of the GST, setting aside the rationale, explanation and need for it, which was the straw that broke the camel's back when it came to the underground economy? People said it was too much, a rotten tax and therefore moved as much of their operations underground as they could. I do not mean that to be a critical point directed to my friend.
Would my colleague agree that perhaps the people's perception of the GST, as accurate or inaccurate as it may be, was what lead to an acceptance of the reality of the underground economy as a reasonably legitimate way to do business in Canada?