Mr. Speaker, my question is for the Prime Minister.
In her 2002 report, the Auditor General noted that a special new rule established by the Department of Finance, “...allows dividends from Barbados international business corporations...to qualify for tax-free treatment”.
Could the Prime Minister advise whether the former minister of finance, the member for LaSalle—Émard, stepped aside from all discussions regarding these new tax rules? Could he also advise whether the establishment of Barbadian subsidiaries of Canada Steamship Lines was discussed during any of the several briefings the former minister has admitted receiving about his businesses while he was minister?