Mr. Speaker, I am proud to speak on behalf of the people of Lakeland, the heart of farming, forestry, and oil and gas country. The hard-working men, women, and businesses there make an outsized and outstanding contribution of jobs, innovation, and government revenue to all of Canada.
However, homegrown businesses and workers in the energy sector are struggling. Low global oil prices, barriers to export markets, and fiscal and regulatory uncertainty are causing massive job losses. I am sure that concerns all of us here because a strong Alberta means a strong Canada.
Lowering taxes helps businesses create jobs and increases government revenue. It means more for Canadians to invest in their futures, their families, their charities, and their communities. Cancelling income splitting, clawing back the tax-free savings account, increasing payroll taxes, and imposing a carbon tax would make things so much worse.
Can the member please explain how hiking taxes and taking more away from Canadians and businesses will protect jobs?