Gary Pillitteri

[The Budget, March 1st, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to speak in the debate on the budget. We are on the right track. Thanks to the efforts of Canadians, Canada has entered a new era, that of surpluses.

All Canadians, especially families with children, in all regions of the country will benefit from a budget that takes us to the future with an education system second to none, secure social programs and a five year plan of tax reduction.

With each budget I and many fellow Canadians have seen deficit spending being eliminated, progress being made by paying down the debt, our economy flourishing and the rate of unemployment declining at a faster rate than we had anticipated. The unemployment rate is now at its lowest level in 24 years. We must be doing something right.

In the budget speech the government made important announcements that will translate into a better quality of life for all. While we continue to follow a prudent and transparent approach to budget planning, with this budget we have delivered important investments in health care, in knowledge and innovation, in families with children and in the environment.

Since 1993 when I was first elected to serve my constituents of Niagara Falls in the House of Commons, the Standing Committee on Finance has consulted with Canadians from all walks of life and acted on their views and priorities year after year. In fact, I am delighted to see that many of the recommendations made by way of written submissions to a questionnaire sent to a great number of my constituents or by oral presentations to town hall meetings saw implementation in previous budgets.

The reviews from the riding on budget 2000 are more than positive. One of the headlines was “Niagarans are encouraged by this budget”.

I am proud to see that this budget as others before it is focused mainly on the welfare of our children, of our families, of our communities and of our environment.

The budget took into consideration evidence which suggests that the early years are vital for child development and their future ability to learn. It is only natural for parents to want their children to have the best and healthiest possible start in life.

As a result of budget 2000, families with children will see an increase in the Canada child tax benefit thanks to a boost of $2.5 billion. This means that families now receiving the Canada child tax benefit will receive more generous payments. More middle income families will qualify for this benefit.

The government's objective is to raise the maximum benefit to $2,400 for a family's first child by the year 2004. The benefit for a second child will also be raised to $2,200. This means that over the next four years low income Canadian families will receive $6 billion, while modest and middle income families will receive $3 billion.

These benefits as well as personal income taxes will be fully indexed so that family incomes will not be eroded by inflation. In all, the Canada child tax benefit will help nine out of ten Canadian children, or about 3.8 million families.

Budget 2000 puts forward the five year tax reduction plan that benefits all Canadians and families with children in particular. It is a plan that will put more money into the pockets of Canadians.

Our plan is secured by two fundamental changes. First, we are restoring full indexation of the personal income tax system. Second, for the first time in 12 years the middle rate will fall from 26% to 23%. This budget shows that it is possible to cut taxes and invest in the future at the same time. With this plan the government is providing real and lasting tax relief.

Tax indexation is not a new idea. Tax indexation was introduced by a Liberal government. It was later cancelled by a Tory government under Brian Mulroney, the same government which left us with a huge deficit which was eliminated not only by the good planning of this government but also by sacrifices made by all Canadians.

With indexation the automatic tax increases caused by the so-called bracket creep will disappear. This will benefit a great number of Canadian taxpayers. This means that the federal benefits such as the Canada child tax benefit and GST credit will no longer be eroded by inflation.

Indexation also means protection against inflation for seniors. While public pension benefits under the Canada pension plan, old age security and guaranteed income supplement are already fully indexed to inflation, the GST credit, the age credit and the OAS reduction threshold are not.

Canadian business will also benefit from tax cuts. This will in turn encourage innovation and investment and put all sectors of our economy on an internationally competitive footing. As a first step the government is lowering the tax rate paid by higher taxed industry mostly in the high tech and service sector from 28% to 21%.

Overall, budget 2000 provides at least $58 billion in cumulative tax relief to Canadians over the next five years. We are cutting personal income taxes by an average of 15%. Many will enjoy bigger cuts. Low and middle income Canadians will see their taxes fall by at least 18% and families with children will see their taxes on average fall by 21%.

By leaving more money in the pockets of Canadians we will see our economy flourish. In turn the government will receive more revenue. It will then be able to reduce taxes paid by Canadians even more. This will go on and on. The government will then be able to maintain funding for social services such as education, health and important infrastructures.

There are other important measures of this budget, for example the assistance that will be provided to Canadians with disabilities. By building on previous budget measures the federal government will extend support and implement tax initiatives to expand opportunities for persons with disabilities. It will help them and their families deal with the medical and care related costs.

Clean air, water and healthy habitats are essential to a higher quality of life. Understanding that our economy and our environment are closely linked is also part of the comprehensive strategy. Budget 2000 commits some $700 million in funding between 1999-2000 and 2002-03 toward the development of new technologies and tools that will meet our Canadian environmental challenges.

This initiative will be well received in my riding of Niagara Falls. Many of my constituents dedicate much of their time and energy to maintain and better our environment, to preserve and protect species indigenous to our area and the many spectacular natural beauties enjoyed not only by Canadians but by so many visitors to our area.

We are aware that our economy, especially the economy of the 21st century, requires the proper physical infrastructure. The budget proposes to work out a multi-year agreement with the provinces and the private sector to improve highways and municipal infrastructure. This will include green infrastructure and affordable housing in urban and rural communities across Canada.

My riding is a so-called border riding. As such it will benefit from the action taken in the budget to strengthen and control our borders.

The Canada Customs and Revenue Agency will receive incremental funding to modernize our border management process. This will allow the agency to devote more resources to enforcement activities that are most crucial to protect Canadian borders. Citizenship and Immigration Canada and the RCMP will also be receiving incremental funding and in this way will better ensure the safety of not only our borders but also of all Canadians.

Budget 2000 shows us that it is indeed possible to cut taxes and invest in the future at the same time.

[Human Resources Development, February 24th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, for weeks and weeks we have listened to the accusations by the opposition of mismanagement regarding the administration of HRD programs.

Maybe the time has come to say it as it really is. A recent letter from the regional chair of the municipality of Niagara states:

HRDC support to programs like Trade Niagara and the Niagara Investment Marketing Initiative has contributed in no small measure to the renaissance that is now underway throughout the region.

Furthermore, its commends and pays special tribute to Jim Williams and all the people at the HRDC regional office for their professionalism.

The letter also stated that the economic recovery the Niagara region now enjoys would not have been possible without the support and partnership of the HRDC office.

Let us set the record straight—

[Human Resources Development, February 14th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, lately the official opposition and the media have focused their attention and energies on the human resources department and its minister.

The Ottawa Citizen reported that the minister was seen in Niagara Falls on Friday having a fundraising breakfast. It informed us that the minister misused the Challenger jet at a great cost to Canadian taxpayers.

Let us be truthful with the people of Canada. The minister was in Niagara Falls for round table discussions scheduled months ago that had to do with the Business Education Council of Niagara. This organization, well-known for the excellent work it carries out throughout the peninsula, provides young Canadians with the hands on training necessary to make the transition from school to employment.

Fundraising indeed. Those who are seeking the truth and who often use methods reminiscent of the Spanish Inquisition should be aware that it is wrong to embellish the truth and in doing so to mislead Canadians.

[Club Italia, December 13th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, December 8, while the Reformers were filibustering in the House of Commons, a group of constituent members of the choir of Club Italia performed in the rotunda of Parliament Hill and delighted us with their talent.

The choir is well known in the Niagara area as it often performs in senior citizen homes and hospitals. It is a must in our riding's Canada Day celebrations.

The members of the choir worked hard on their own time holding a series of events to raise the funds necessary to travel to Ottawa. They were proud and thankful of having the privilege of performing on Parliament Hill in the very heart of the nation.

The Club Italia choir embodies what is so great about our country. By keeping their traditions alive, fostering our present culture and wrapping it altogether in an attractive package, the members of the Club Italia choir showed us that diversity is the stuff that unites us and makes Canada strong.

[Violence Against Women, November 30th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, during the first week of December we remember an act of violence against women.

This year on the 10th anniversary of the massacre at the Ecole Polytechnique in Montreal, we remember with sadness and horror. While we remember those women struck down in the prime of their promising lives, we encourage all Canadians to think about other women in our society who have to endure violence in their daily lives.

Violence not only affects and indelibly scars the lives of the victims but also the lives of their children, their families and consequently our entire society. Violence against women has many faces and eliminating every form of violence from our society requires a real commitment from everyone, be they the legislators, lawmakers or social and religious organizations.

We must unite, work and be vigilant so as to eradicate this insidious form of cancer that is ruining so many promising lives.

[Income Tax Amendments Act, 1998, April 20th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, I wish to be recorded as voting no on this motion with my government.

(The House divided on the amendment, which was negatived on the following division:)

[The Budget, February 18th, 1999]

Madam Speaker, the government is not only dealing with statistics. It is dealing more with people. Basically when more people are employed they are paying more taxes. When more people are employed they are creating other jobs. This is where we beg to differ with members on the other side because they are only looking at statistics. We are trying to put a human face to it.

No one has told me to look at the unemployment rate and at how much tax we are paying. A lot of them come to me and say “Look at what I have around me”. There is more development and more people working and paying taxes. Therefore the whole economy moves much better and faster. They are not asking about the percentage of tax but what we have done for the people.

To some people it is only $1.20 or $1.30 more in their pockets, but it is a lot better than raising taxes.

[The Budget, February 18th, 1999]

Madam Speaker, I recall in 1993 in my area of Niagara Falls we had an employment rate of 14.5% and without any specific sector creating unemployment my area now has only a 6% unemployment rate.

It is not the government's responsibility to pay people to stay at home. It is up to the government to create the atmosphere so the private sector, individuals like me and my colleagues, can create the jobs. We do not need money to provide for unemployment. We need employers to create an atmosphere where the employer could make money and employ more people. That is the role of this government and that is the role for people we should be looking at.

[The Budget, February 18th, 1999]

Madam Speaker, I welcome the opportunity to address this House and to speak to the sixth Liberal budget. The 1999 budget demonstrates the dedication of the Liberal government to advance the living standards of Canadians through the creation of well paying jobs, a robust economy and equal opportunities for all. All this has built an excellent health care system and a safety net for those in need.

In the last five years I have had the privilege of serving with the Standing Committee on Finance and to take part in the prebudget consultations held throughout Canada. The great number of Canadians who took time from their busy schedule to present their views had one thing in common, their strong desire to build better lives for themselves and their families.

Canadians wish to be part of a society that not only provides opportunities for everyone but that provides support when through no fault of their own Canadians need a helping hand. This government has listened. The results may be seen in the positive turn taken by the Canadian economy.

The unemployment rate has fallen considerably since the Liberals first took office. Now it stands at its lowest level in almost a decade. I am proud to report that my own riding of Niagara Falls and the Niagara area continue to grow and to prosper. Lately we have witnessed new developments like expansions of existing places of employment and many new businesses opening their doors. This in turn translates into jobs.

In the month of November alone, 13,000 more people were employed in the Niagara area. This means 13,000 more jobs than last year. According to the last labour force survey, 2,600 additional people were employed in the accommodation, food and beverage industry. The unadjusted unemployment rate dropped from 8.8% to approximately 6%. In Niagara 70 new businesses have opened since last spring, businesses that range from large chains and department stores to small entrepreneurs finding their niche in today's market.

Existing businesses continue to expand and are making large investments in their operations. This will not only ensure that employees keep their jobs but it will create new positions. An increase of workers in the agricultural sector has seen an additional 5,000 people gain employment. As a result of previous Liberal budgets, interest rates have declined substantially. An economist will say that low interest rates encourage both investment and expansion. We have wrestled to the ground. Now it is firmly under control. All the economist indicators are telling us that it will remain so.

Canada today enjoys a solid reputation as a low inflation country. What a difference from the beginning of 1994 when Canada's unemployment rate stood at 11.5%, when our country was faced with a $42 billion deficit, the largest in Canadian history, a large deficit that we were able to eliminate in just four years. This year for the second consecutive year the government has brought down a budget that is balanced. Not only that but in this fiscal year we will again balance the books.

This is the first time since 1951-52 that Canada has been deficit free for two years in a row. A surplus of $3.5 billion, the first surplus in 28 years, was recorded in 1997-98 and it went to pay down the debt.

Today Canadians believe their government can make a difference. Despite the progress we have made in balancing the books, we are not forgetting that the role of our government is to respond to the needs of Canadians. The role of our government is to help Canadians adjust to changes and prepare for the challenges that we all have to face in the new millennium.

During prebudget consultations Canadians voiced one main concern, the importance of their health system. They expressed to us the fear that the quality of care available to them would not be there when their loved ones would need it. These concerns had to be addressed. Here, once more, we have listened to Canadians.

While budget '98 was an education budget, budget '99 makes health the largest single investment this government has ever made. Since the elimination of the deficit in 1998 three-quarters of all new government spending has been focused on health and education.

With the provisions in the budget the provinces and territories will receive from the federal government over the next five years an additional $11.5 billion specifically for health care.

The Government of Canada has made major commitments to Canadians through Canada's new social union and the new measures announced in the 1999 budget.

Now Canadians will be able to see tangible benefits such as improved health care, better programs for our children and our young people.

We share the strong desire of all Canadians to have confidence in our health care system and to see that medicare will continue to meet everyone's needs well into the 21st century. Quality health care is a priority for Canadians. We all want to be reassured that the health care system is delivering accessible, high quality care in a timely fashion.

Canadians also want to know how and where their health care dollars are being spent. When medicare was first introduced our focus was on curing illness with doctors and hospitals. Now good health care is as much about preventing illness as curing it. We know we need to develop innovative ways to provide care in the home and community for people who are ill or who have long term health problems. Good home care will free hospital beds for those who need urgent medical attention.

In the last decade patients' needs have evolved, health care needs have changed and medical technology has had to keep pace with these changes. It is normal therefore to re-examine the way we do things to continue to provide all Canadians with a superior health care system. I believe that with this budget the Liberal government has shown its commitment to medicare.

This government will never allow a two tier system of medicine to take hold in Canada, one for the poor and one for the rich. Support and research are paramount to a good health care system.

The 1999 budget builds on previous Liberal government investments in research, knowledge and innovation by injecting $1.4 billion over the remainder of 1998-99 and the next three fiscal years.

This will expand and integrate research and innovation in health care. Moreover, this funding will allow us to continue exploring with the provinces innovative approaches to rural and community health care.

This budget builds on the Canadian opportunities strategies outlined in last year's budget. The investment of more than $1.8 billion over the remainder of this fiscal year and the next three years will support the creation of employment. It will strengthen research facilities, provide more opportunities for advanced research, develop new and better uses of the information highway and directly support employment, especially for our youth. This is a very important measure in this budget. It will tell many young bright Canadians, scientists, to unpack their bags and stay in Canada.

With the provisions in this budget the Liberal government has provided target tax relief. With budget '99 we begin to broaden tax relief, thus benefiting more Canadians. Our approach is very clear.

Tax reduction should benefit those who need it most, low and middle income Canadians. Tax relief should focus on personal income taxes and tax relief should not be financed with borrowed money.

The Canada child tax benefit has been enhanced by $300 million. This will extend benefits to modest and middle income families. Two million modest and middle income families will receive higher benefits and a portion of the benefits will be extended to about 100,000 families that currently do not receive it.

[Injury Prevention, February 9th, 1999]

Mr. Speaker, a recently published study is telling Canadians that the economic and social costs of unintentional injuries in Canada are staggering.

From this study we learned that each year these injuries leave 47,000 Canadians partially and permanently disabled. For example, in the Niagara area alone we had more than 30 deaths this year all due to vehicle accidents.

The officer in charge for the Niagara region at the public health department wrote to me, saying that citizens of Niagara Falls should find this figure totally unacceptable, especially when it is known that 90% of these deaths are both predictable and preventable.

There is a need to acknowledge and seriously address the magnitude of this staggering health and economic problem. Today I am adding my voice in support of those who are calling for a national injury prevention strategy to be established. We must take action so as to cut costs for all Canadians and ultimately save lives.