House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 43% of the vote.
Canada Customs May 15th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I am sure the hon. member knows with regard to the Cedarville wharf that the wharf was sold to the municipality by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans for one dollar.
It is the responsibility of the municipality to maintain that wharf, not the responsibility of Canada Customs. Under section 6 of the Customs Act there should be no charges imposed, just as it is across the country in all of our other facilities.
Questions On The Order Paper May 4th, 1998
Revenue Canada has completed processing the majority of 1996 reassessments for those recipients of U.S. social security benefits who benefit from the treaty change. The department is already working with the Internal Revenue Service to obtain details of the taxes withheld on 1997 social security benefits and will begin processing the 1997 refunds for eligible recipients as soon as this information is available.
Taxation April 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, if the hon. member were following what is happening at Revenue Canada he would understand that we are streamlining. We are simplifying the administration. Up to eight million Canadians can file their tax returns right over the phone. We are trying to improve. We are trying to simplify and make it easier for people to file their tax returns.
I know it is very difficult for a lot of Reformers to follow the tax form. I am sure we have volunteers who can help them do that this year.
Taxation March 19th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I want thank the hon. member for Durham for his question and his genuine interest in ensuring that Canadian taxpayers are treated with the respect that they deserve.
Fair treatment for taxpayers is of foremost importance to both Canadians and the national revenue department. Just yesterday I released a public discussion paper entitled “Ensuring Fair Customs and Revenue Administration in Canada” in which I make a clear commitment to ensure that fairness is a cornerstone of our tax system.
I look forward to the input of Canadians and my fellow—
Taxation February 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member.
I wish to inform the House of a press release put out by the hon. member which was totally irresponsible and very immature. He says millions of Canadians may face retroactive tax on training and education.
This is patently false and the hon. member should stand and apologize to the House and to Canadians.
Oil Industry February 23rd, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I want to assure the hon. member that all corporations fully comply with the excise tax. Independents will also apply on the same basis. I will take his representations and look at the matter.
Canada Shipping Act February 19th, 1998
moved that Bill S-4, an act to amend the Canada Shipping Act (maritime liability), be read the second time and referred to a committee.
National Revenue February 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I responded yesterday to the matter the hon. member has brought forward. I want to be clear again to make sure I put the facts on the line.
In the case the member was referring to, there was a consent form provided to Revenue Canada, the basis on which information was provided. The issue at hand is whether the consent form should be clearer and more precise. I say yes. That is why as of January 15 we have asked the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation to make its consent form clearer so there are no misunderstandings as to the information to be provided.
Taxation February 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, I have been an employer. I have been there. Employers right across the country send their employees on courses.
When it can be shown that it directly benefits the company and not solely the individual, or that it benefits the individual to be more productive and efficient, it is not taxable.
The hon. member should get his facts right and do his research. It is business as usual for the Reform Party: no facts and just trying to make cheap political points.
Taxation February 18th, 1998
Mr. Speaker, as usual Reform members do not have their facts right. The record of the government is one of commitment to lifelong learning. We have announced a number of measures this time.
With regard to employers providing training, we actually encourage employers to provide training. Assessments on whether it is an expense have to be done on a case by case basis.
The hon. member is wrong when he says that companies cannot expense training. They can and they do. He should get his facts right.