moved for leave to introduce Bill C-271, An Act to amend the Governor General’s Act.
Madam Speaker, today I am pleased to introduce a bill to reduce the amount of money that Quebeckers pay to support the monarchy. I am sure that all of my colleagues will be pleased to support it out of respect for the taxpayers they represent.
The monarchy is an outdated, archaic and undemocratic institution based on the idea that we are not equal. To remain connected to it in any way is tantamount to saying that we agree to submit, which is obviously out of the question. It goes against our values of freedom and equality.
It is outrageous to pay $270,000 a year to a representative of the monarchy. We are told it is a symbolic position, so let us solve the problem by providing only a symbolic salary for this position. We are proposing a salary of $1 a year. We are also proposing to do away with the generous retirement pension for the Queen's representative. To be frank, even $1 is far too much, but as members know, our party is all about compromise.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)