Maurizio Bevilacqua

[Canadian Federation Of Independent Business, October 17th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, Canada has undergone an economic renaissance known internationally as the Canadian miracle. Over two million jobs have been created since 1993, the vast majority by a determined, focused, visionary group of individuals who embody the very best of human qualities.

They pursue their goals with passion and commitment. They persist through obstacles even when they appear insurmountable. In a world of constant change, they stay ahead of the curve. They are innovators, risk takers and job creators. They strive for excellence. They take pride in their products and services. They contribute to their communities and, yes, they are nation builders.

I am referring to small business entrepreneurs, the engines of Canada's economy.

A strong voice for Canadian small businesses is the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. This well known national organization today has reached an important milestone in its history. The CFIB has reached a membership of 100,000.

On a personal note, I want to express my gratitude and congratulations to the CFIB on this important and very meaningful event.

[Committees Of The House, October 6th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the 10th report of the Standing Committee on Finance regarding its order of reference of Wednesday, March 29 in relation to Bill C-213, an act to promote shipbuilding 1999.

The committee has considered Bill C-213 and reports the bill without amendments.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, the final petition I present calls upon parliament to increase the foreign property rule.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, this petition calls upon parliament to build on previous actions to assist families under the Canada child tax benefit.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, this petition calls upon parliament to further increase the basic personal exemption amount.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, in the next petition, the petitioners call upon parliament to continue to support research and development.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, this petition calls upon parliament to continue to apply the contingency reserve set at $3 billion toward debt reduction.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, this petition calls upon parliament to continue to use prudent economic assumptions in the formulation of the budget.

[Petitions, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I have a number of petitions to present. In the first petition, the petitioners call upon parliament to undertake a comprehensive strategy for productivity enhancement.

[Committees Of The House, June 15th, 2000]

Mr. Speaker, I have the honour to present the ninth report of the Standing Committee on Finance entitled “Challenge of Change: A Study of Cost Recovery”.

The finance committee has been very much focused on getting government right. Whether it be the structure of the tax system or the regulation of the financial institutions, the committee has sought to ensure that government initiatives are delivered efficiently and provide a real net worth to Canadians.

Public policy has an economy wide impact on our productivity and our standard of living. However, to be good, policy must not only be right, it must be properly implemented. This is the message the committee received during its hearings on the federal government's user charge and cost recovery policy.

As chair, I would like to thank the members of the committee for their work and commitment to this study, a commitment evidenced by their unanimous support for its recommendations. I would also like to thank the many witnesses who took the time to prepare briefs and appear before the committee. A very special thanks to the clerk, the researchers and the entire committee staff for their excellent work.

Finally, I would like to note that pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee is requesting a comprehensive government response to this report.