Madam Chair, I would also like to use my time to ask questions and listen to the minister's replies. I thank her for being here this evening.
In every previous crisis that Canada has lived through, there have been strict laws against profiteering and there has been a sense that we are all in this together. That has not happened this time with the government. Canada's billionaires have increased their wealth by an astounding $80 billion during the pandemic. Other countries have experienced this and have put into place measures such as a wealth tax. A wealth tax is supported by over 80% of Canadians, as the minister well knows.
My first question is very simple. Why does the government refuse to put into place a wealth tax as we go through this pandemic?