House of Commons photoWon his last election, in 2006, with 48% of the vote.
Canada Health And Social Transfer November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, last year the provinces defined what was full restoration of the health transfer portion of the CHST and that is exactly what the government did last year. In addition to that, the Minister of Health announced a whole series of measures having to do with evidence, best practices and research and development. In last year's budget, we went substantially beyond what the provinces asked for.
Finance November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, when we look at the debt/GDP ratio, for example, we see that the provinces are far better off than the federal government.
When we look at the amount that the governments are spending on interest, it is 27 cents on the dollar for the federal government and an average of about 14 cents for the provinces.
The three levels of government must work together, and we intend to do so. By so doing, we will have the winning conditions for a stronger economy and a better society.
Finance November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, surely, the hon. member knows that, last year, health transfers to the provinces were raised in excess of $11.5 billion over five years.
The hon. member must also know that the deficit has been eliminated as a result of the economic upturn in this country, the increase in employment, and the decrease in interest rates, all entirely due to the atmosphere of confidence that reigns in this country at this time.
Taxation November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, again the disorder is in the Reform Party's research branch.
First, the Prime Minister said no such thing. Second, the fact is that although obviously I do not know all the details of Holly's situation in all likelihood she will have received by next year a 14% to 14.5% tax cut.
Taxation November 15th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, there is a number of things. First, we raised the child tax benefit last year. In addition, we increased the threshold above which people have to pay taxes.
In Holly's specific case, in the Canada opportunities strategy we brought in a system whereby single parents will get a $3,000 a year grant to go back to university. That is specifically what we have done for Holly.
Budget Surplus November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, it is very important to understand that these projections are only projections.
They are not definite figures. Definite figures are surely those projected for next year, that is $5.5 billion, and perhaps the year after. After that, they are only projections, and it is not our intention to repeat errors of earlier years, that is, to spend money we do not have.
Health November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, the amount the hon. member referred to occurred prior to the increase in the social transfer. It was under the old formula where there was an increase in tax points.
Employment Insurance November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, that is why it was so important for us to lower contributions each year since we came to office. This had never been done.
We lowered the contributions and concurrently introduced the national child tax benefit, raised the tax threshold and eliminated the 3% surtax of his friends on his right.
Employment Insurance November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, first off, 60% of employment insurance contributions are paid by employers, as the member must know.
Second, when we look at the cuts in taxes our government made in the 1998 and 1999 budgets, we can see that the vast majority are tax cuts for the middle class and the most disadvantaged in society.
Budget Surplus November 4th, 1999
Mr. Speaker, as I have just said, last year we transferred $11.5 billion over a five-year period.
The question I am asking the hon. member is this: is the PQ government prepared to give back to the municipalities the money it has cut from them?