Mr. Speaker, the finance minister's speech included the statement that balancing the nation's books will not come at the expense of pensioners or by raising taxes on hard-working Canadians, but that is simply not true. There will be a 9% increase in employment insurance premiums in the first year. There is the imposition of a 31.5% punitive tax on income trust distribution, which incidentally wiped out $35 billion of the retirement nest eggs of Canadians. The Conservatives are also imposing a new air traveller's tax, notwithstanding that the Minister of Transport said just two days ago that cutting taxes creates jobs, more hope and more opportunity. It seems to be a contradiction. It goes to character. That is the issue.
How could the member stand in his place and say the Conservatives are not raising taxes when in fact they are? It undermines the confidence and trust in the government. It is a matter of accountability and integrity. Why are the Conservatives not prepared to admit that they are raising income taxes and other taxes?