Mr. Speaker, as I said, these tax conventions with Barbados are inconsistent with the principles of social solidarity to which I am sure we, on this side of the House, all adhere.
It is fascinating to know about the workings of the Barbadian tax system, of which big corporations like Canada Steamship Lines and the major Canadian banks take advantage. These corporations and banks operate and do business within a tax system with a rate of between 1% and 2.5%, no withholding tax, and no financial surveillance or control of exchange transactions.
One cannot claim to be a good corporate citizen and at the same time shamelessly take advantage of these tax systems, which ultimately have an impact on people's daily life. There is hardly any leeway. As far as I am concerned, these major banks and big corporations have a duty to act responsibly.
When it realizes that these businesses are not acting like good corporate citizens, the government has a duty to step in. It must make it clear that fiscal responsibility cannot be demanded of average citizens while big corporations play under a different set of rules.
I hope the government will support the motion put forward by my colleague from Joliette.