Mr. Speaker, I too would like to congratulate the member for Joliette for his explanation and presentation on Bill C-40. I will not speak directly to the bill, but rather will deal with the GST.
The Bloc Québécois has intervened on this subject in the House on many occasions. When the Conservative government was in opposition, it was in agreement with us that the GST related to school transportation should be refunded to school boards.
In Quebec, this matter concerns 26 school boards, and in my region the Lac-Saint-Jean school board would be able to look forward to receiving about $300,000 if the GST were refunded.
I would like to know what is the justification and motive behind the government’s position in refusing to apply a judgment rendered by the court that orders the government to refund GST to school boards in Quebec and in Ontario.