Again, Mr. Speaker, first let me reiterate to the hon. member that protecting Canada's tax base is an ongoing process and taxpayer activity is therefore very important. It is monitored. The fact is that these tax treaties are not simply dry documents; they are in fact reviewed constantly. We are doing that, not only with Barbados but with other states.
As the member would then suggest, why simply Barbados? According to the member it would seem that we should simply eliminate the issues on double taxation et cetera for everybody. Therefore, what would happen of course is that we would be at a tremendous disadvantage. There would be no benefit if, according to the member, it were closed and companies moved to another jurisdiction where they would get better treatment. It would not result in more dollars coming into this country.
The fact is that we work very closely with other countries to make sure that transparency and openness are there. We do that to protect Canadian taxpayers and that is what we are concerned about, whether they live in the province of Quebec, British Columbia, Newfoundland or anywhere else.
I think it is very important to again emphasize that this is an ongoing issue and that we also are dealing with the OECD in terms of scrutiny. We are following all the international rules. As I said in question period, we have revisited this issue at least five times and have again updated. As far as the Auditor General is concerned, we are continuing to look at all these issues. But we will respond appropriately. We will not rush into things. We will do it in a manner which in fact will be done right.