Maka Kotto on Goods and Services Tax

In the House of Commons on November 22nd, 2004. See this statement in context.

Goods and Services TaxOral Question Period

November 22nd, 2004 / 3 p.m.

Bloc

Maka Kotto Bloc Saint-Lambert, QC

In September 1996, the finance minister who is now the Prime Minister replied to those who were asking for the elimination of GST on books:

That not taxing books would cost $140 million; he asked those who advocated such a measure to explain where the money would come from.

Is the Prime Minister prepared to admit that the $8.9 billion surplus this year could be the answer to his question? If so, and if he really wants to eliminate GST on books, why does he not go ahead and do it?

See context to find out what was said next.