Mr. Speaker, the member may be able to assist the House in understanding what latitude the government has in terms of making changes which affect the fiscal position of the nation.
For instance, allowing pension income splitting will, as the member knows, benefit only high income earning seniors who make over $35,600 a year. It provides no benefit to those who make less or have no partner. All of a sudden we are changing the balance in terms of the progressive nature of the income tax system by making major adjustments without even going through the budget process.
I wonder if the member could advise Canadians how dangerous it is to make significant decisions outside the purview of the budget process.