Mr. Speaker, the reason that the compensation issue is still outstanding is because there are some issues with regard to harmonization which have still not been resolved. The House will understand that harmonization seems to imply that all things are brought together so there are efficiencies in the system of taxation.
The first issue is that there are still two taxes on the books and that means two separate activities to be carried on by businesses.
The second one has to do with the differences in the basis on which the taxes are applied. They are not identical and therefore there are still some problems to be worked out. There were exemptions in certain cases in Ontario.
The third area has to do with the system of tax credits where they are not the same under the two existing Quebec taxes.
The fourth issue is the collection of taxes and whether it would be Quebec or the Canada Revenue Agency.
The final issue to be resolved has to do with the application of Quebec sales tax on the GST, or a tax on a tax.
These matters are to be discussed. The Liberal position is that there are no major items here that cannot be resolved through good faith discussions and negotiation.
I am wondering whether the member would be prepared to indicate whether he believes any of these items are not touchable in terms of negotiation pursuant to receiving compensation.