House of Commons Hansard #2 of the 41st Parliament, 1st Session. (The original version is on Parliament's site.) The word of the day was continue.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for his question and congratulate him on his election.
The financial security of all Canadians is important to us, and I will repeat that the upcoming budget will support our most vulnerable seniors, with help for over 680,000 of them. I hope that my colleague will support this budget.
Shelly Glover ConservativeParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance
Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to once again welcome all members to the House.
“Welcome back”, is what I am trying to say in French.
I would like to tell my hon. colleague, who was also here during the previous parliament, that we have really focused on making job creation and job growth in all regions of Canada our top priority for the benefit of Canadians. The throne speech also talked about how we will reduce tax rates for Canadians and addressed the important matter of subsidies to federal political parties. That will be very beneficial for Quebec.
I wonder if the parliamentary secretary, who is from Quebec and who is part of our Canadian family, could tell us what he thinks of our decision to eliminate subsidies to political parties?
Before he replies, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Saint Boniface in Manitoba for once again placing their trust in me in this new parliament.
I would now like to hear from the parliamentary secretary on the question of subsidies to political parties.
Jacques Gourde Conservative Lotbinière—Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, QC
Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the hon. member for her question and congratulate her on her re-election.
Political parties can be subsidized in three ways: the per-vote allocation, tax credits for donations and reimbursements for electoral expenses. We believe that these last two ways should be more than sufficient, and we will phase out the per-vote allocation to give political parties time to adapt to the new reality. Abolishing the $2 per vote allocation to political parties will allow us to save Canadian taxpayers close to $30 million.
Jack Layton NDPLeader of the Opposition
Mr. Speaker, it is my honour as leader of Her Majesty's loyal opposition, and seconded by the member for Sherbrooke, I move:
That the debate be now adjourned.
(On motion of Mr. Jack Layton the debate was adjourned)
Peter Van Loan ConservativeLeader of the Government in the House of Commons
Mr. Speaker, I move:
That this House do now adjourn.
(Motion agreed to)
Address in ReplySpeech from the Throne
The Speaker Andrew Scheer
Following the adjournment of the House, I invite all hon. members to a reception being held in the Hall of Honour to mark the opening of the 41st Parliament.
This House stands adjourned until next Monday at 2 p.m., pursuant to an order made earlier today.
(The House adjourned at 4:48 p.m.)