Mr. Speaker, we have continuously cut taxes. We made major tax cuts in the last budget, $7 billion over three years. The minister has indicated that our forthcoming budget will have tax cuts as well.
House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 55% of the vote.
Taxation February 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, we have continuously cut taxes. We made major tax cuts in the last budget, $7 billion over three years. The minister has indicated that our forthcoming budget will have tax cuts as well.
Taxation February 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, our growth is evidenced by what has happened in terms of jobs. Last year Canada created 449,000 brand new jobs. In January of this year there were 87,400 brand new jobs.
There are 1.5 million more Canadians who are working today than there were five years ago since we took office. This is the type of growth we are proud of.
Taxation February 10th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, in every budget since we have taken office it has been our priority to try to reduce taxes.
We have done this in a consistent and responsible manner. In the last budget we reduced taxes for 13 million Canadians and completely eliminated taxes for 400,000 of the poorest taxpayers.
We will continue in the forthcoming budget this responsible and balanced course.
Ways And Means December 10th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table two notices of ways and means motions. The first amends the Excise Tax Act in accordance with the proposals set out in the attached publication, legislative proposals, draft regulations and explanatory notes relating to the Excise Tax Act.
The second amends the Income Tax Act to implement measures that are consequential on changes to the Canada-U.S. tax convention, 1980, and amends the Income Tax Conventions Interpretation Act, the Old Age Security Act, the War Veterans' Allowance Act and certain acts related to the Income Tax Act.
I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.
Ways And Means December 2nd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table a notice of ways and means motion to amend the Income Tax Act, along with some explanatory notes.
This measure is not a levy. It will make room for aboriginal governments to levy their own income taxes. I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of this motion.
Insurance Companies Act November 30th, 1998
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-59, an act to amend the Insurance Companies Act.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)
Health November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I just want to talk a little about some of our commitments to health care.
Since we took office and in spite of our difficult fiscal circumstances we have contributed to the Canada health services research fund $65 million over five years; the health transition fund, $150 million over three years; the Canada health information system, $50 million over three years; the Canada breast cancer mission, $35 million; the aboriginal health initiative, $45 million; and the private health dental insurance initiatives, about $200 million over two years.
Health November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, Canadians share our government's concern for the state of health care in the country and that is why, in spite of very difficult circumstances, we insisted on increasing the cash component of the CHST.
We put in place the CHST in order to protect the principles of the Canada Health Act. We are a party that has firmly stood against any erosion of the principles of the Canada Health Act and you are the party that has wanted to go about and—
Health November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, we will take our share of the blame for any cuts in health, but let us be very clear. Our cuts in transfers in that area were 1.5%. That is a very small cut when we look at the overall expenditures on the entire health care system, which is about $80 billion a year.
Yes, we will take our share of the blame at a time when we had to exercise fiscal restraint because of the terrible mess we were left, but we will not take the blame for all the cuts.
Health November 30th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, at the same time that we had to make cuts in all programs we had to recognize that the tax points increased. With our prudent fiscal policies we were able to have much lower interest rates which gave the provinces much more room to manoeuvre. We have increased transfers by $1.5 billion in order that health care could be protected.
Members will find when they examine it that the provinces have cut their contribution to health care more than the federal government—