House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2011, with 58% of the vote.
The Economy February 3rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, our government believes in keeping taxes low. It is well known that the opposition favours higher taxes and irresponsible spending. Our low-tax plan is creating jobs for individuals and families across Canada. The average saving from lower taxes in this country is about $3,000 per family. This is not the high tax and spend plan of the coalition opposite. Canadians cannot afford—
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 3rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, our discussions on harmonization issues take place with other governments, not with opposition parties here.
We are continuing our discussions on this harmonization issue with the Government of Quebec. There has been some progress, but there is a long list of issues that need to be resolved and worked through, and that is what we are doing. I do not anticipate an early resolution.
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 3rd, 2011
Mr. Speaker, this is one of the many challenges that have arisen over the course of discussions between the Government of Canada and the Government of Quebec. We have had good discussions and we will continue with these discussions, which are well under way.
Tax Evasion February 2nd, 2011
Once again this year, Mr. Speaker, the World Economic Forum has rated our financial system the best in the world. This has happened for several years now.
We have been through a very difficult time, a very difficult recession, but we are one of those countries, and there are only a few in the developed world, that did not have to take taxpayers' money and put it into our banks.
Our banks were able to continue. Our credit system was able to continue. That is one of the reasons jobs have been recovered, and we have about 400,000 net new jobs in Canada now than we lost during the course of the recession.
Finance February 1st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, I know the member for Wascana does not want to wait his turn, but I will answer the other member's question first.
As the IMF says, this government is on track. We will balance the budget in the medium term.
Finance February 1st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, in fact, the hon. member may want to check the report to which I think she is making reference. She will see that the report refers to all governments in Canada, not just the federal government. She will see also that the IMF says that this federal government is on track--
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 1st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, as I said, we have a list of items we are discussing with the Government of Quebec. Discussions are continuing.
Harmonization of Sales Taxes February 1st, 2011
On the contrary, Mr. Speaker, negotiations between Quebec and the Government of Canada are going very well. We have had some good discussions with the Government of Quebec on the matter, but a lot of work remains. We hope to continue our discussions and make some progress.
Taxation February 1st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, here is what John Manley, a former Liberal deputy prime minister said: “Canada needs a significant tax advantage....I do not think we should underestimate” the benefits of lowering taxes on businesses. “We are transforming how Canada is seen by investors....Reforming the tax system...is a hugely positive move”.
Those are the words of John Manley, the former Liberal deputy prime minister. The member for Wascana ought to listen to him.
Taxation February 1st, 2011
Mr. Speaker, actually, if the member opposite checks the record he will see that I was not there for that vote. However, he will want to check that.
We have a low tax plan. On the other side, the self-described leader of the Liberal Party, a tax and spend Liberal, says that he will raise taxes. Why will he raise taxes? So he can spend money on big new programs.
We have a low tax agenda for Canadian families. The average saving for Canadian families so far has been $3,000 over the course of the five years of this government.