Mr. Speaker, the member for LaSalle—Émard's statement that Canadians would not support funding the Bloc Quebecois really conceals his concern about funding for federal political parties drying up.
As Minister of Finance, he was quick to make cuts to the EI program and health and education transfers in order to focus on paying down the debt and easing taxes for the rich. As well, during his tenure, the use of tax havens by Canadians grew fivefold.
In six months of campaigning for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada, the member for LaSalle—Émard has already raised more than $2 million. Quebeckers and Canadians are justified in wondering if the member for LaSalle—Émard has not left himself open to influence.
The only way to dispel this situation is to pass legislation providing for public financing of political parties, as was done in Quebec. In 1994, my colleague from Bas-Richelieu—Nicolet—Bécancour moved a motion to that effect in the House of Commons. The member for LaSalle—Émard voted against it.