House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2000, with 54% of the vote.
Health April 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, we have announced a series of measures to help the workers in that sector. It was announced by the Minister of Human Resources Development. We also have other programs.
I have discussed the question of giving compensation to the businesses with the premier. That is not something that is possible to do under the circumstances because there is no one dedicated tax for that purpose like the one that was reduced yesterday at the provincial level.
Taxation April 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as far as taxation is concerned, everyone acknowledges that we have made transfer payments to the provinces for health care in the order of $34.8 billion over five years.
We have reduced taxes over five years by more than $100 billion, and have met our obligations. Despite all this, we have been fortunate enough to balance the budget and achieve a surplus. He ought to take the credit, along with all the rest of us.
Taxation April 30th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, this is something we have been debating for months. Each level of government has its area of jurisdiction for levying taxes.
Almost all of our tax fields are shared with the provincial governments. It is, therefore, not necessary to give them any taxation space. They already have it. Obviously our good administration is what has given us a surplus.
The hon. member, as a member of this House, ought to be congratulating the government because he is part of a Parliament that has succeeded in balancing its books, paying its debts, and having a surplus.
Member for Hamilton East April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the answer is no, she is in the House of Commons.
National Defence April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, there is a possibility of a discussion and we have not started discussions. People do not want to look at a problem when they do not know exactly what the requirements will be. Perhaps the wise thing to do is to try to find out what they are asking of us, if they are asking anything. I do not know why he is excited again. He does not know the substance of it. Let us wait to know if they are asking for something or nothing.
Health April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I met with the premier and the mayor this morning. They were not excited like the member is. They know that we have to work in collaboration to resolve the problem, and because there was good collaboration between the provincial government and the municipal government and the federal government, we are moving out of this crisis. We had a problem with the World Health Organization a few days ago, but we worked effectively and it has been resolved this morning. I think he should rejoice rather than be mad.
Taxation April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I find it funny that the member raises the issue of tax fields. When it comes to corporate taxes, income taxes and sales taxes, the provincial governments have the exact same powers as the federal government.
Taxation April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, they already have adequate tax fields. All levels of government can raise or lower taxes. This decision is up to the federal or provincial governments.
They have the option of raising their taxes if they do not have enough money. They do not want to do so. They would prefer us to raise our taxes and send them a cheque. Clearly, this would be the best solution for them. However, it would not be very practical for us.
Taxation April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I think that the total we are going to be transferring to the provinces for health over the next five years is $32 billion or $34 billion. These are huge amounts which, over a period of five years, will make it possible for the provincial governments to make all possible reinvestments within a time frame that is totally acceptable.
Taxation April 29th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, as far as stability is concerned, we have just signed a five-year agreement, which is a rather convenient period as far as budgeting is concerned. I think that this is what we usually do.
As for the matter of an excessive surplus in Canada, that is because we were successful in reducing the debt, lowering taxes, and in particular lowering interest rates so that there will be more transfer payments, a big boost to the treasury of each province.