Doug Peters

[Goods And Services Tax, April 23rd, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, we talked to the Quebec government. The federal government held numerous discussions with the Quebec government on the calculation of the compensation for the GST and the QST.

We continue to arrive at the conclusion that Quebec simply does not qualify for adjustment assistance. Quebec has not suffered losses to the harmonization of the QST and the GST, the public accounts of Quebec.

I suggest the hon. member look at the public accounts. They show us that the annual revenues derived from the QST increased following the signature of the harmonization agreement. They went from $5.1 billion in 1988-89-90 to $5.4 billion. That is up. In 1991 they went to $6.2 billion.

[Budget Implementation Act, 1997, April 22nd, 1997]

moved that Bill C-93, an Act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 18, 1997, be read the third time and passed.

[Ways And Means, April 22nd, 1997]

Madam Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I with to table a notice of ways and means motion respecting the imposition of duties of customs and other taxes to provide relief against the imposition of certain duties and taxes and to provide for other related matters.

I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.

Although I am not sure whether one should be proud of this, this is the largest ways and means motion ever presented.

[Budget Implementation Act, 1997, April 9th, 1997]

I wish to advise the House that the government intends to move that both of the bills just introduced be referred to committee before second reading, pursuant to Standing Order 73(1).

Mr. Speaker, I move:

That the House do now proceed to the Orders of Day.

[Budget Implementation Act, 1997, April 9th, 1997]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-93, an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 18, 1997.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

[Income Tax Budget Amendments Act, 1996, April 9th, 1997]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-92, an act to amend the Income Tax Act, the Income Tax Application Rules and another act related to the Income Tax Act.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed.)

[Ways And Means, April 8th, 1997]

moved that a ways and means motion to implement certain provisions of the budget, tabled in Parliament on February 18, be concurred in.

[Ways And Means, April 8th, 1997]

moved that a ways and means motion to amend the Income Tax Act, the Income Tax Application Rules and another act related to the Income Tax Act, be concurred in.

[Bond Rating Services, April 8th, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, the hon. member for Durham brings up a very important question. It has been the policy of the government to bring the fiscal health of the country back to a reasonable level, and we have done so.

The rating agencies have provided Canada with an upgrade on its short term debt which reflects the improved deficit position. More important, it reflects the improved economic conditions in the country. The DBRS provided us with a mixed message. It complimented us on the efforts in reducing the deficit and it noted that we have both low inflation and an improved current account balance which is a very difficult matter to achieve.

Next year we will see a decline in the proportion of debt to GDP. That is a critical milestone and a path to financial health.

[Ways And Means, March 21st, 1997]

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1), I wish to table a notice of ways and means motion to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 18, 1997.

I also wish to table a notice of ways and means motion to amend the Excise Tax Act in accordance with the proposals set out in the attached notes and the accompanying publication.

I ask that an order of the day be designated for the consideration of each motion.