Annick Papillon

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, I am pleased to hear that the minister realizes it costs Canadian taxpayers $4 per transaction, based on the type of ATM, for a total of $420 million a year. In the United Kingdom, 97% of ATM withdrawals are free.

Does the Minister of Finance think that the amount Canadian consumers pay to withdraw their own money from ATMs is justified, when he sees what happens in other countries, where people do not have to pay to withdraw their hard-earned money?

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, unless they pay monthly fees, it costs consumers from $1.50 to $6 to withdraw money from an ATM. Obviously, the Minister of Finance does not go the ATM very often, but ATM fees cost Canadians over $420 million a year.

Does the minister know how much it costs to withdraw money from an ATM in the United Kingdom? I look forward to hearing his answer.

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, once again, let us check and see if the minister knows his numbers.

Since it is so important, can the minister tell us approximately how much it costs Canadian consumers per year to withdraw their own money from an ATM? I have the answer. Does the minister?

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, if I understood correctly, the minister does not intend to require special branding for premium cards to help merchants and consumers. I will go on to the next question.

Does the minister want to put in place a dispute resolution mechanism that will enable Canadian businesses to assert their rights when they encounter problems specifically related to payment processors?

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, I asked a simple question and I want a simple answer.

Will the minister require special branding for premium cards to ensure more transparency for both merchants and consumers, yes or no?

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, again, the Minister of Finance is not answering the question. I guess he will allow surcharging.

Does the minister intend to get rid of the rule that requires merchants to accept every credit card from the same credit card company? We want short answers.

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, the minister is not answering the question. According to the Retail Council of Canada, the annual cost is $6 billion.

Does the minister intend to allow Canadian retailers to add a surcharge for credit card transactions?

[Business of Supply, May 25th, 2015]

Mr. Chair, I will be sharing my time with the member for Davenport.

Canadian retailers have to pay credit card transaction fees that are among the highest in the world.

Can the minister give us an idea of the annual cost of credit card transaction fees for Canadian businesses?

[Consumer Protection, May 14th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, the act does not work at all. Quebeckers are tired of waiting. It has been five years since the Conservatives passed their Fairness at the Pumps Act. This act provided for mandatory inspections and harsh fines for offenders. However, Industry Canada inspectors have not issued a single fine since the act was passed. Zero. Zero sounds about right for the Conservatives.

Can the minister explain why nothing has been enforced under this act?

[International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia, May 14th, 2015]

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise in the House today to remind everyone that May 17 is the International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia. The Declaration of Montreal on LGBT Human Rights calls on all countries to recognize this day. We must continue to proclaim, loud and clear, that Canada is a society open to all people. It is also important to recognize the crucial role of community organizations that work every day to foster the inclusion of individuals by raising general awareness of their reality and their needs.

I would like to highlight the amazing work done by GRIS-Québec, the Conseil québécois LGBT, Alliance Arc-en-ciel de Québec and MIELS-Québec. I would also like to underscore the essential role played by allies of the community who, in their day-to-day lives and their work, help put an end to prejudices.

I invite everyone to promote awareness and prevention measures in support of the fight against homophobia and transphobia. Wear a pin just like me.