House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 58% of the vote.
Post-Secondary Education February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, we had very constructive discussions with the finance ministers at Niagara-on-the-Lake and in Vancouver in December precisely with respect to this issue. The member is correct. There is a significant degree of agreement among the various governments in Canada that we must do more for post-secondary education in Canada, and we will.
Taxation February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, there is no intention to reduce transfers to the provinces. In fact, I already wrote to all the ministers of finance in the other governments in Canada recently, outlining the floor, the minimum equalization and the statutory authority that I have now as Minister of Finance, so that all the other governments know what the floor is.
However, there will be more and that will come at budget time.
Taxation February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the member advocates for the transfer of tax points, which is one way of resolving the fiscal imbalance and moving toward fiscal balance. That certainly has been discussed at many meetings between the governments of the provinces, the territories and the federal government.
Many suggestions have been made. There are a number of studies out there that have been reviewed and studied by, I hope, most members of the House.
We will be in a position to announce our proposed changes, from fiscal imbalance to fiscal balance, at budget time.
Taxation February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, there are two points with respect to which Canada's new government is very different from the government that was here for 13 years.
One is that we respect provincial jurisdiction. We believe the federal government should concentrate on its areas of constitutional jurisdiction. It is not the role of the federal government, unlike the previous government, to constantly and persistently interfere in areas of provincial jurisdiction.
Second, we are the first government in Canada, unlike the member's government, unlike the Leader of the Opposition, to acknowledge that there is a fiscal imbalance between the Government of Canada and other governments within Canada.
Taxation February 6th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, the member opposite will have to await the budget and the announcements in it, as will all members of the House.
We are precisely on track. We said in budget 2006 that we would consult with the provinces and territories. We have done that at great length. We have done it intensely. The Prime Minister has, various ministers have and I have with the ministers of finance of all governments in Canada, including Quebec.
I look forward to announcing the changes that we will be proposing, having acknowledged the fiscal imbalance, at budget time.
Taxation February 5th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, no decision has been taken with respect to issues, including income splitting and other important tax policy issues, that are being reviewed in preparation for the budget.
I am pleased that we have proceeded with pension splitting, which is a very important step forward. It has been demanded for a long time in Canada. It is excellent for pensioners and seniors.
My friend from Halton will have to await the budget with respect to other tax items.
Sales Tax Amendments Act, 2006 January 30th, 2007
You don't want to. You already lost that once.
Income Trusts January 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, to answer the second part of the question first, of course I will meet with the person mentioned by the member after question period. I am happy to do that.
The decision with respect to income trusts, I note, was the subject of a ways and means motion in this place, which, as I recall, the member for Halton supported.
Financial Institutions January 29th, 2007
Quite Frankly, Mr. Speaker, it is not the role of the government to just simply legislate a ban on ATM fees.
I appreciate the question was asked in the House some time ago. The hon. member wrote me about this. I received the letter January 26, which is three days ago, or Friday.
However, we try to act quickly. I will get right on it again and get back to the member as soon as I can.
Financial Institutions January 29th, 2007
Mr. Speaker, this is an issue which the member raised previously in the House. At that time, I said that I would raise the issue with the banks, which I did. I look forward to further response from them.
The government does not regulate the day-to-day transactions of financial institutions with respect to fees and services, but we do believe in competition and choice for consumers. I would be pleased to report to the House and to the member further on the subject.