House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2008, with 49% of the vote.
Ways and Means March 19th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, pursuant to Standing Order 83(1) I wish to table a notice of a ways and means motion respecting an act to implement certain provisions of the budget tabled in Parliament on February 18, 2003. I am also tabling explanatory notes. I ask that an order of the day be designated for consideration of the motion.
Persons with Disabilities March 19th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the government has an attitude of gratitude for those individuals who contribute to the public policy process of the government. The budget more than doubles, from $600 million in 1996 to $1.3 billion, annually the tax relief for persons with disabilities.
We have a new child disability benefit of $1,600, which will help over 40,000 families with children who are disabled. As well, we have established a technical advisory committee to review tax measures for persons with disabilities. It is clear to me that the government not only listens but also acts.
Oil and Gas Prices February 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the tax cut that Canadians received was a $100 billion worth, the largest tax cut in Canadian history. It has brought about tax relief to the average family of approximately 27%.
It might not be good news for the opposition but it is certainly good news for the people of Canada.
Taxation February 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member should know that if the school boards were only entitled to a 68% tax rebate, they would obviously not be entitled to 100%. This is in keeping with the announcement that reaffirms the long standing policy that the GST has applied since the inception of the tax. The government's policy intent has not changed in this particular instance.
Taxation February 28th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, the hon. member would know that on December 21, 2001, in response to a Federal Court of Appeal decision the government announced a proposed GST amendment to clarify that the provision of student transportation services would continue to be an exempt activity for which school boards would be entitled to a 68% rebate of tax and not a 100% input tax credit.
Banking Institutions February 27th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, actually the largest component of Bill C-8 was consumer protection. That is precisely what we have done. We will continue to do that whether or not the hon. member shouts along the way.
Our priority is to make sure that the interests of consumers are safeguarded and the measures taken by Bill C-8, including the establishment of the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada, speak to that reality.
Banking Institutions February 27th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I thank the hon. member for his question because it is an area for which the government truly cares, which is the reason we introduced Bill C-8, precisely to take care of concerns as cited by the hon. member.
I know the hon. member is an individual who follows the file so he probably knows that the regulations were pre-published on November 30, 2002.
Gasoline Prices February 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, this issue of taxation keeps coming up and I do not understand. This is one of the great strengths of the government. We have reduced taxes by $100 billion. The average family is now saving 27% and the tax burden has really gone down.
Infrastructure February 26th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, I remember back in 1993 when we inherited a $42 billion deficit. The first thing we did was to introduce a $2 billion infrastructure program that generated $6 billion worth of infrastructure. Since then we have introduced $8 billion worth of infrastructure program. That adds up to $14 billion, if I am correct. That is hardly stiffing the municipalities.
Infrastructure February 24th, 2003
Mr. Speaker, that is typical of people who cannot take a two-pronged approach.
We have to generate wealth in a country before we can redistribute it. That means we have to set up the economic conditions so that people and companies can profit, create jobs and improve investments in Canada.
Let us be frank with one another. We are leading the G-7 in economic growth. We are leading the G-7 in job creation. Disposable income in this country is going up. Productivity is going up. This plan works and it works well for the people of Canada.